The Eccentric Clock
Why do we have a separate page dedicated to the club clock? - Because over the years, the backwards-going clock, showing 4 o'clock and carried by an owl, has become an iconic symbol of the club and its official logo.
Although the old club in Ryder Street used to have a number of stuffed owls and carved wooden ones holding or carrying clocks, the one from the members' bar became the most popular worldwide. It has been surrounded by anecdotes, legends, and the mystery of its whereabouts since the old clubhouse closed in 1984.
The old Eccentric Clock, which goes backwards and is held by a large carved wooden owl, used to hang above the bar at The Owl’s Roost in Ryder Street clubhouse. Contrary to modern urban clubland legend, it is NOT hanging now at the East India Club.
However, the American Bar of the East India Club has a smaller-scale replica of the old clock, with a plaque reading “ECCENTRIC CLOCK.”
However, the American Bar of the East India Club has a smaller-scale replica of the old clock, with a plaque reading “ECCENTRIC CLOCK.”
It was manufactured (not carved in wood) and installed there in 2006-2007, when a group of former Eccentric Club members and enthusiasts, now belonging to the East India Club, met at this bar.
The black-and-white image shows the original clock at The Owl’s Roost, while the colour photograph was taken recently at the American Bar of the East India Club.
The black-and-white image shows the original clock at The Owl’s Roost, while the colour photograph was taken recently at the American Bar of the East India Club.
The Eccentric Clock has inspired numerous authors and artists. Over the years, it was used as a symbol in various creative works:
"The Eccentric Club in London with its clock running backwards: I wished they would have me as a member so I could meet all my old friends again..." (Writer Anthony Steyning).
It appears that the original clock was sold off circa 1955 and replaced with a replica, which was also sold off later.
Therefore, the East India Club has, in fact, the second replica of the original 'eccentric clock'.
"The Eccentric Club in London with its clock running backwards: I wished they would have me as a member so I could meet all my old friends again..." (Writer Anthony Steyning).
It appears that the original clock was sold off circa 1955 and replaced with a replica, which was also sold off later.
Therefore, the East India Club has, in fact, the second replica of the original 'eccentric clock'.
The originator of the idea of the 'eccentric' clock was W.E.Clifford, with the funds raised for its creation by the old club members: F.Evans, J.A.Harrison, H.Pearson, Ben Nathan, G.Moore, A.Scott, J.Douglas, P.W.Harris, L.W.Harris, H.Fane, Thomas Fraser, Denby Hare and H.Riley.
Unfortunately, the original clock's whereabouts remain unknown. It is likely to be in a private collection.
Unfortunately, the original clock's whereabouts remain unknown. It is likely to be in a private collection.
We no longer have a similar clock at the clubhouse where we meet, but we plan to commission a new one soon.
