A George III mahogany longcase clock, John Holmes, London, circa 1775

John Holmes (1727-1797), was apprenticed to Henry Hindley of York in 1743. At the end of his apprenticeship, around 1750, he moved to London and lodged in Holborn with his second cousin, John Smeaton, the instrument maker, horologist and civil engineer responsible for Eddystone lighthouse. In 1752 Holmes moved to his own premises in Hand Court, Holborn where it is thought he carried out work for Thomas Mudge and William Dutton.  Indeed, Holmes' first apprentice, in 1755, was Benjamin Dutton, nephew of William Dutton. This may help to explain some of the similarities of their work and particularly the very fine and distinctive cases of their longcase clocks.

In 1760 Holmes moved with his young family to new premises in The Strand, just east of Somerset House, where he was to remain for the rest of his life. A fine and innovative maker, he was particularly well connected in the horological world in London during the second half of the 18th century. He maintained his close association with John Smeaton and corresponded with Oxford astronomer and mathematician Rev William Ludlam.   In 1792/3 Holmes was appointed to the Parliamentary sub-committee to report on one of Thomas Mudge's marine timekeepers. After his death in 1797 the business was continued by his wife and two of his sons until it finally closed in 1816.

For extensive information regarding John Holmes, his life and clocks see Antiquarian Horological Society Journal, Vol. 27 No.3, pp.289-301 and Vol.27 No.6 pp.643-653