Gothic Sundials

GOTHIC STYLE

The Gothic Revival movement (also called Victorian Gothic or Neo-Gothic) emerged in Britain in the 1740s, and reached its height in the late-19th century. The style is characterized by such decorative flourishes as pointed arches, floral details, finials, heraldic motifs and linenfold carving. The movement was rooted in religious and social conservatism. Its proponents, who included Charles Barry and A.W.N. Pugin, the architects of London’s Houses of Parliament (designed in 1840), believed that the art and architecture of the Middle Ages were authentically spiritual and inherently moral.

In the United States, the Gothic Revival movement shaped both public buildings and private houses. Numerous American schools were built in the early-19th century in a style now called Collegiate Gothic. Many builders and craftsmen were inspired by Andrew Jackson Downing’s widely read 1850 book Architecture for Country Houses, which posited that a family’s home should exemplify their values — and that the Gothic Revival style was particularly well-suited to scholars and clergymen. Furniture with detailing that mirrored that of Gothic Revival buildings appeared in the same period. Such pieces typically feature dark, intricately carved wood, and upholstery in velvet or leather.

Much like the castle or cathedral that inspired it, a Gothic Revival chair makes a bold design statement. And while you probably don’t have to cross a moat or raise a portcullis to get through your front door, a Gothic Revival piece might make a statement that your home is indeed your castle.

Style: Gothic

Austin & Seeley Gothic Style Armillary Sundial

$11,514

Austin & Seeley Gothic Style Armillary Sundial

By Austin & Seeley

Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire

A striking focal point for any garden, this impressive sundial pairs a mid 19th century gothic style stone pedestal by Austin and Seeley (unsigned) circa 1840, with a 20th century steel armillary sphere. Coupling composition stone intricacy with a contemporary armillary, this garden sundial offers a beautiful blend of antique and modern, perfect for instilling a courtyard or patio with history and interest. This gothic style pedestal appears in appears in Austin & Seeley’s catalogue dated 1841 (pictured). Here it is described as a ‘Rich Gothic Font, designed from Henry VII’s Chapel’ of Westminster Abbey, London. The drawing also appears in an advertisement from The Civil Engineers and Architects Journal 1839 (pictured), suggesting that this stone pedestal could date from even earlier. Austin and Seeley works were rarely stamped with makers marks. Austin & Seeley In 1828, Felix Austin established his own independent stone works...

Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Gothic Sundials

Materials

Stone, Composition, Metal, Steel

Austin & Seeley Antique Armillary Sundial

$11,514

Austin & Seeley Antique Armillary Sundial

By Austin & Seeley

Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire

An impressive antique sundial pairing a mid 19th century gothic style stone pedestal by Austin and Seeley (unsigned) circa 1840, with a 20th century s...

Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Gothic Sundials

Materials

Stone, Composition, Metal, Steel

Large Italian Limestone Garden Armillary Sundial with Acanthus Carvings

$7,900

H 83.25 in W 39.375 in D 39.125 in

Large Italian Limestone Garden Armillary Sundial with Acanthus Carvings

Located in Dallas, TX

More information coming soon… Measuring almost seven feet tall, this towering armillary sundial would make a wonderful garden ornament. Hand-carved in Italy, the tall base, which i...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gothic Sundials

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Metal, Iron

Swedish Atlas Astrology Garden Armillary

$1,980

H 28.35 in W 17.72 in D 21.66 in

Swedish Atlas Astrology Garden Armillary

Located in Vienna, AT

A Swedish garden armillary, manufactured in the 1950s in Sweden.

Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gothic Sundials

Materials

Brass

Atlas Armillary Sundial in Pewter Finish with Brass Accents

$176Sale Price / item|20% Off

H 28 in W 27 in D 16 in

Atlas Armillary Sundial in Pewter Finish with Brass Accents

Located in Stamford, CT

The Greeks have used sundials to measure time since 100 B.C. Reminiscent of classic Greek mythology, this Atlas Armillary Sundial will demand attention, ...

Category

2010s Indian Gothic Sundials

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Swedish Atlas Armillary Sundial Mounted on Hand-Carved Antique Stone Plinth

$5,595

H 45.5 in W 21 in D 16 in

Swedish Atlas Armillary Sundial Mounted on Hand-Carved Antique Stone Plinth

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Swedish armillary of Atlas mounted onto stone plinth. This vintage Swedish armillary sundial is supported on the single arm of mighty Atlas, and is...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Gothic Sundials

Materials

Stone, Copper, Metal

Antique Victorian English Medieval Styled Solid Bronze Architectural Sundial

$2,950

H 11.45 in W 13.5 in D 4 in

Antique Victorian English Medieval Styled Solid Bronze Architectural Sundial

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

Presumably having English origins, this antique solid bronze sundial is ornately cast with a series of Medieval figures across the top portion and standing in the facade of an arched...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Gothic Sundials

Materials

Bronze

Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial

$476Sale Price|20% Off

H 3 in W 8 in D 8 in

Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial

Located in Elkhart, IN

A stunning vintage iron garden sundial USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 8"W x 8"D x 3"H Good vintage condition with patina throughout. Sturdy and ready for immediate use.

Category

Late 20th Century American Gothic Sundials

Materials

Brass

Vintage English Country Iron Verdigris Garden Armillary Sundial

$636Sale Price|20% Off

H 9.5 in W 11 in D 6.25 in

Vintage English Country Iron Verdigris Garden Armillary Sundial

Located in Elkhart, IN

A stunning vintage English country or Neoclassical style brown and verdigris green iron garden armillary sundial with Roman numerals USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 11"W x 6.25"D ...

Category

Late 20th Century American Gothic Sundials

Materials

Iron

English Arts and Crafts Sundial

$4,714

H 36.23 in W 12.6 in D 13 in

English Arts and Crafts Sundial

By Garnkirk Fireclay Company of Scotland

Located in Faversham, GB

A beautiful Arts and Crafts period sundial made of glazed stoneware and attributed to the Garnkirk Fire Clay company, Scotland. The top of the pedestal is flat in the shape of a hep...

Category

Early 20th Century British Gothic Sundials

Materials

Bronze

Vintage French Country Iron Garden Armillary Sundial

$476Sale Price|20% Off

H 9 in W 8.5 in D 6 in

Vintage French Country Iron Garden Armillary Sundial

Located in Elkhart, IN

A stunning vintage English or French country or Neoclassical style iron garden armillary sundial with Roman numerals USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 8.5"W x 6"D x 9"H Very good v...

Category

Late 20th Century American Gothic Sundials

Materials

Iron

Vintage English Country Iron Black Garden Armillary Sundial

$476Sale Price|20% Off

H 13 in W 11 in D 7 in

Vintage English Country Iron Black Garden Armillary Sundial

Located in Elkhart, IN

A stunning vintage English country or Neoclassical style black iron garden armillary sundial USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 11"W x 7"D x 13"H Very good vintage condition.

Category

Late 20th Century American Gothic Sundials

Materials

Iron

Swedish Armillary Sculpture

$2,048

H 34 in W 15 in D 25 in

Swedish Armillary Sculpture

Located in Atlanta, GA

This figural armillary of Atlas, constructed of metal with a copper numeric banding, hails from Sweden. Original matte black finish and mounted on a well-proportioned custom wooden pedestal also painted in black lacquer. It is missing one strip of numbers on the inside ring but makes a beautiful over-sized sculpture for a variety of decor styles. Please note the listing is for the sculpture only. The antique white pedestal...

Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Gothic Sundials

Materials

Metal

Vintage English Country Iron Garden Armillary Sundial

$476Sale Price|20% Off

H 10.75 in W 7.5 in D 6 in

Vintage English Country Iron Garden Armillary Sundial

Located in Elkhart, IN

A stunning vintage English country or Neoclassical style iron garden armillary sundial with Roman numerals USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 7.5"W x 6"D x 10.75"H Very good vintage...

Category

Late 20th Century American Gothic Sundials

Materials

Iron

Previously Available Items

Antique Garden Sundial from Fort Belvedere

Sold

H 44.49 in W 30.71 in D 13.39 in

Antique Garden Sundial from Fort Belvedere

Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire

This large antique garden sundial once resided in the grounds of Fort Belvedere, a Grade II listed country house in Surrey UK, built in the 1750s. Pictured is a black and white photograph of the front of Fort Belvedere circa early-Mid 19th Century showing what we believe to be this sundial in the centre of the driveway. Fort Belvedere was the residence of various members of the British royal family during the late 18th to mid 20th centuries. Perhaps the most notable was King Edward VIII, who signed his abdication at Fort Belvedere in 1936, passing the throne to his brother, George VI, and subsequently Queen Elizabeth II. This spectacular antique garden sundial dates from the 1830s, around the time when Fort Belvedere was undergoing significant renovations in a Gothic Revival style. To this day, Fort Belvedere remains a part of the British Crown Estate and resides within the grounds of Windsor Great Park. Part garden ornament, part sundial, the design is thought to be based on a ‘flower clock...

Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Gothic Sundials

Materials

Limestone, Bronze, Lead

Gothic sundials for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Gothic sundials for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sundials created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with composition, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Gothic sundials made in a specific country, there are England, Europe, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sundials, popular names associated with this style include and Austin & Seeley. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for sundials differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $10,951 and tops out at $10,951 while the average work can sell for $10,951.