Casgliadau Arlein

Oak bureau in two sections, with clock centrepiece in upper portion. Made by John Rittson in the 1760s. Probably completed in 1768 when Rittson married Ruth Rider, the sister of William Rider, who inserted the clock and inscribed the names of John and Ruth Rittson and the date 1768 on the clock dial. The piece can therefore be described as a groom's wedding gift for his bride, aided by the bride's brother.

Upper portion has two cupboard doors with fielded panels. The clock, by William Rider of Welshpool, occupies a central position. Gilded brass dial with cast brass rococo decoration in the spandrels, phases of moon dial in the arch and calendar indicator within chapter ring. A small clock, it has a modified eight day movement. The bureau portion below has a desk with sloping front which rests, when open, on the two upper drawers below. Within the flaps are pigeon holes, small drawers and two sets of secret compartments and drawers. The middle drawer in the upper row forms an additional desk surface. The handles and backplates from two pierced arc of brass, the plates pierced. Supported on bracket feet.