AHS London Lecture Series 2026: Leigh Extence

Pierre & Alfred Drocourt: Carriage Clock Makers

by Leigh Extence

This lecture about the great carriage clock making father and son partnership, Pierre and Alfred Drocourt, will summarize Leigh’s research on their history, clocks and influence on other carriage clockmakers, including Alfred Drocourt’s extensive roles within the French clock making industry in general and his various associations with such makers as Holingue Frères and Georges Moser.

Two examples of Drocourt carriage clocks will be shown and discussed; one made as a wedding present for Alice Hargreaves (nee Liddell), the inspiration for Alice in Wonderland, and another made for Queen Victoria to be given to a favoured godson Victor Biddulph.

Leigh has thoroughly researched the history of both clocks. The Alice clock itself revealed a wonderful secret when examined. And whilst researching the provenance and history of the Victor Biddulph clock, a letter came into Leigh’s possession signed by Prince Leopold, son of Queen Victoria, and sent to a later owner of the clock, in which the prince described the close relationship that the Queen had with the Biddulph family. This brought the history of the clock to life.

Leigh Extence is an antique clock dealer and consultant based in Devon, as well as a leading authority on the history of French Victorian carriage clock makers and their clocks, his focus being the Jacot and Drocourt families and their associates. Leigh is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers as well as a director of the NAWCC international carriage clock Chapter 195.

Doors open: 5.45 pm. Tea and coffee available on arrival.
Lecture: 6.15 pm to 7.15 pm.
Q&A: 7.15 pm to 7.30 pm.
Drinks reception: 7.30 pm to 8.15 pm.