Joseph Ives (1782-1862) was a horologist, inventor, and clock manufacturer at Bristol Connecticut, Plainville Connecticut, and Brooklyn New York. His inventions and efforts resulted in Bristol Connecticut becoming the clock making capitol of the world, with 275 clock businesses to follow him in the city.
 

Before the COVID-19 Pandemic, this event was going to feature a one-day exhibit of the impact of Joseph Ives, as a result of the re-discovery of his portrait painting. With several large volumes written about Ives in the 1970s and 1980s, it was realized that no authentic image of Joseph Ives had survived. In 2018 his authenticated portrait was rediscovered in storage at Bristol Historical Society, but in very poor condition. The funding for the restoration was received by the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, and a private donor. The event was organized as a free exhibit, talk, and unveiling as a thank you for members of the NAWCC’s contributions towards the portrait.

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As a response to the Pandemic, it was realized that the extraordinary efforts put into this event would become a loss. This online exhibit was created as a substitute to reach our visitors and members at home!

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