It is often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It is where food is prepared - nourishment for the family. Homework may be done there, crises solved and joys shared. It may also be the site of some heated debate over whose turn it is to do the dishes. Whether one's reason for being there is joyous or tedious, the kitchen is the most occupied room in the home. That being the case, it is common sense that the wall be brightened with a kitchen clock to enhance the feel of the room and inspire its occupants.
Kitchen clocks are today, invariably, wall clocks. Kitchen wall clocks are as many and varied as one's imagination. From a crowing rooster to a chilli motif, a kitchen clock brightens the atmosphere as soon as it is spotted.
Many antique kitchen clocks, however, were pendulum driven mantel clocks with a characteristic pointed top resembling the roof of a house. These early clocks gave the impression they were "reaching for the sky"and tended to be taller and thinner than other mantel clocks. Antique kitchen wall clocks continued this theme.
As electric clocks began to be introduced, the kitchen clocks moved to the wall. These vintage kitchen clocks were functional timepieces, not out to shock or upset anyone terribly much until the fifties when everything changed. From the mid fifties to the late seventies, wall clock designs just went wild!
Sunbursts flying in every direction, sunflowers beaming sweetly, bongo drums, even an old skillet could find new life as a clock! So many wrong . but so very many more . very, very right.
Who of that era could forget the Spartus Kitty Cat clock of the early sixties? With her long eyelashes framing eyelids that close over her bright green eyes, "Kitty" has to be the epitome of kitsch chic when it comes to the retro kitchen clock experience. One can almost hear her now, purring as her pendulum tail swings .
Novelty kitchen clocks always make great gifts. Housewarmings, weddings, kitchen teas, the list goes on and on. A retro Coca-cola clock for the party animals, perhaps a chilli peppers kitchen clock for the spices connoisseur. And what about a smiling Luigi chef with the clock in his chef's hat? Or the apple shaped clock, complete with leaves. Wonderful.
Walk into any home wares store today and you will most probably find a brightly coloured rooster kitchen clock. This type of country kitchen clock is almost a kitchen clock standard. Whether it crows on the hour or simply displays the time, it will always look at ease with its surroundings and bring a smile to all kitchen visitors.
Though it has changed over time, a kitchen will always be a kitchen; its purpose the same the world over. And a kitchen will always have a clock, telling the time and doing so much more. To give someone the gift of a kitchen clock is to give their home the gift of peace, harmony and vitality.
Wonderful.
