Portrait of Thomas Mudge (C.1715 – 1794) oil on canvas, after Nathaniel Dance, London c.1772.

This painting has been in the collection of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers since 1874, and for many years was believed to be by Nathaniel Dance, until a larger version of this portrait came to light in the 1970's, and which is now in the Science Museum's collection. (see 1985-1362).

Mudge was born in Exeter. In 1730 he was apprenticed to George Graham and became a free Clockmaker in 1738. On Graham’s death, Mudge earned a permanent commission from the King of Spain and became Watchmaker to George III. He invented the lever escapement c.1753, still in regular use today. His marine timekeepers were of unmatched quality.

Clockmakers Museum' No. B1083