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People Were Confused Why This Clock In A Museum Was Covered With A Sheet But Then They Read The Plaque

Wendell Castle is the father of art furniture, and his pieces are so masterfully crafted that you don’t know whether you should actually be using them or if they should be in a gallery somewhere.

This clock, dubbed the ‘ghost clock,’ certainly belongs in the art category. Created in 1985, it is on display at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. and at first glance seems to be simply an old grandfather clock draped in a protective sheet. A new exhibit perhaps, or maybe it was damaged and has been covered while awaiting repairs.

Looks can be deceiving however, and only upon reading the plaque underneath can the truth be revealed. The deception is so convincing, the work so intricately carved and sculpted, that it would be impossible to tell from pictures only. It has certainly gotten the attention of visitors who, confused at first, get the magic aha! moment when reading the explanation on the display plaque below.

Scroll down below to find out how Wendell Castle created his ‘Ghost Clock,’ it’s truly a stunning piece of art!

More info: Wendell Castle

This clock is known as the ‘Ghost Clock’ and was made by Wendell Castle in 1985

Image credits: Dave McIntire

At first glance it seems to be simply an old grandfather clock draped in a protective sheet

Image credits: Dave McIntire

Looks can be deceiving however

Image credits: Mads/Just some things

And only upon reading the plaque underneath can the truth be revealed

Image credits: PwnBuddy

The deception is so convincing, the work so intricately carved and sculpted…

Image credits: Smithsonian American Art Museum

…that it would be impossible to tell from pictures only!

Image credits: Dave McIntire

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James Caunt

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James is a Bored Panda reporter who graduated with a BA in Peace And Conflict Studies and an MA in African Affairs. Before Bored Panda, he was an English teacher and also travelled a lot, doing odd jobs from beer-slinging to brickie's labourer and freelance journalism along the way.
James loves covering stories about social and environmental issues and prefers to highlight the positive things that unite us, rather than petty internet squabbles about fictional characters.
James is the grumpy, contradictory one who thinks that Bored Panda, due to its large audience, has a social responsibility to inspire and inform its readers with interesting issues and entertaining, well-researched stories...