The Life and Work of Dr. John A. Robey

John A. Robey was born in Nottingham in January 1939 and attended High Pavement Grammar School before going on to Study for a BSC in physics at Leeds University. After graduation in 1960 he went on the gain a PhD in Physics at Sheffield University in 1964; and subsequently secured a position at English Electric’s Nelson Research Laboratories, Stafford the following year.

Whilst working for English Electric John Robey took on a part-time role as Production and Editorial Director at Moorland Publishing in 1972 overseeing the publication of a wide range of non-fiction books. He left his position at English Electric in 1974 and moved to Mayfield, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire, three years later.

It was around this time that John Robey purchased a longcase clock which ignited his interest in horology. Over time his knowledge expanded to the extent that in 1995 he established his own publishers, Mayfield Books, to produce high-quality authoritative works on the subject.

A Lifetime of Horological Research

Mayfield Books has subsequently published 26 horological titles including several works by John Robey most notably the substantial two-volume set The Longcase Clock Reference Book and Gothic Clocks to Lantern Clocks, both of which been reprinted as enlarged 2nd editions. In addition to this John Robey has composed 41 articles for Antiquarian Horology, 21 for Horological Journal and 108 for Clocks magazine.

In recognition of his contributions to horological research, writing and publishing, John Robey was awarded the Horological Institute’s Barratt Silver Medal in 2007 and became an Hon FBHI in 2022. In addition to writing and publishing John has also given numerous lectures and talks to various sections of the Antiquarian Horological Society and branches of the British Horological Institute. Notable amongst these was his lecture on ‘Longcase clocks from the North of England’ delivered at the AHS Liverpool Conference in 2008; he also designed and edited the catalogue for the exhibition that accompanied the conference.

A Collection Built Through Study and Scholarship

In addition to horology John Robey has a particular interest in the lead and copper mines of the Peak District, writing articles on their history. This has evolved to also encompass industrial archaeology, especially early steam power.

John Robey’s knowledge in the field of horology is impressive, particularly in relation to longcase clocks and early European weight-driven clocks. Such knowledge is not easily obtained but is the product of many decades of passionate research and ‘detective like’ investigation, including time in his workshop studying mechanisms in great detail. His work on early European weight-driven clocks is particularly awe-inspiring, in that he has succeeded in pulling-together a huge amount of information relating to a very diverse range of timepieces produced over a large geographical area and spanning a time frame of over 300 years. And yet has managed to present this information in a highly informed but concise, digestible manner.

Clocks with a Story to Tell

John Robey’s collection reflects his passion for early weight-driven clocks. Almost all are ‘study pieces’ which have been the subject of detailed analysis and publication within his books and/or articles. His skills at the bench have ensured that any conservation work undertaken has been done very sensitively and is carefully documented within his write-ups.

It is John’s wish that the clocks which have brought him so much pleasure through study and learning find new homes with like-minded horologists, where they will no doubt continue to add to our collective knowledge in the field.

Items belonging to Dr. John Robey are spread-out through the sale and are referenced via the 'Provenance' footnotes.

Auction Highlights

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Auction Details

Thursday 10 September, 10.30am BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2JE

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