Known in Spain as Santiago James Moore French, J. M. French was active between 1808 and 1842 making clocks and chronometers. Born around 1781 in County Antrim, Ireland, he moved to London and probably studied under Robert Pennington, considering the similarities between their work of many technical aspects. French became a member of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in 1810 and, from 1820, specialized in producing marine chronometers. From 1808, he worked with Peter Moore at 15 Sweeting’s Alley in London until his master’s death in 1811, upon which French continued as head of the workshop until 1838. He later moved to 18 Cornhill, where he worked until his death in 1842.
After his passing, the brand expanded throughout Europe and especially in Spain. José Rodríguez de Losada, a Spanish clockmaker from León who had worked in French’s workshop, continued to sell under French’s name for some time.
Known in Spain as Santiago James Moore French, J. M. French was active between 1808 and 1842 making clocks and chronometers. Born around 1781 in County Antrim, Ireland, he moved to London and probably studied under Robert Pennington, considering the similarities between their work of many technical aspects. French became a member of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in 1810 and, from 1820, specialized in producing marine chronometers. From 1808, he worked with Peter Moore at 15 Sweeting’s Alley in London until his master’s death in 1811, upon which French continued as head of the workshop until 1838. He later moved to 18 Cornhill, where he worked until his death in 1842.
After his passing, the brand expanded throughout Europe and especially in Spain. José Rodríguez de Losada, a Spanish clockmaker from León who had worked in French’s workshop, continued to sell under French’s name for some time.