Antique Garden Sundial

A fine and rare early 20^th Century carved Portland Stone sundial and pedestal for the garden by F W Barker & Sons and John P White.

This antique garden sundial, called The Ixworth Dial, is pictured in the catalogue ‘Garden furniture and ornament’ by John P. White, The Pyghtle Works, Bedford and 134 New Bond St., London. John P. White were manufacturers of garden furniture, garden ornaments and wooden fireplaces and then extended his portfolio to include sundials and treillages.

The sundial has carved inscriptions on the sides of the base.
Inscriptions around the base read:

‘I’ll only count your sunny hours’
‘Let others tell of storm and showers’
‘Lux post unbrant’ (The light behind the shadow)
‘Lux Venit Ab Ali’ (The light comes from elsewhere)

Further, the solid bronze sundial with a 26 cms diameter, was crafted by the renowned 19th-century precision instrument maker F. Barker & Sons of Clerkenwell. Francis Barker, was a masterful compass and sundial maker. He founded F. Barker & Sons in 1848 at 12 Clerkenwell Road and partnered with Richard Groves, another esteemed sundial and maritime compass maker. While much of Barker’s work remains unsigned, this antique garden sundial clearly displays its distinguished provenance. A remarkable piece of history.

Base measurements 30 x 30 cms