Media Alert: Fall Exhibition at The Frick Collection Celebrates Important Bequest of Clocks and Watches

In the fall of 2001, The Frick Collection will present The Art of the Timekeeper: Masterpieces from the Winthrop Edey Bequest. This exhibition will mark the first showing of a significant selection of the important clocks and watches given to the institution in 1999 by one of the most remarkable twentieth-century collectors of timepieces. An acknowledgment of this generous gift of Winthrop Kellogg Edey (1937 – 1999), The Art of the Timekeeper will feature thirteen clocks and eight watches ranging in date from the sixteenth through nineteenth centuries and revealing the breadth of his passion for collecting in arguably the most remarkable period in the history of timekeeping. Indeed, the featured works will illustrate several significant technical developments that influenced not only the design and appearance of clocks and watches, but also the impact that improved methods of timekeeping had upon the growth of Western civilization. The Art of the Timekeeper is organized by guest curator and museum consultant William J. H. Andrewes, formerly David P. Wheatland Curator, Harvard University, and co-author with Dava Sobel of the bestseller The Illustrated Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time. Many of the featured clocks and watches have not been shown publicly in this country for several decades. On view from Wednesday, November 14, 2001, through Sunday, February 24, 2002, the presentation is supported through a generous gift by Winthrop Edey; a challenge grant made in honor of William J. H. Andrewes, guest curator; Montres Breguet; Janine Luke; Mimi Gilpatric; Brooke Astor; Richard and Ronay Menschel; David Owsley; The Ridgefield Foundation; Stanley and Betty DeForest Scott; and the support of the Fellows of The Frick Collection.