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

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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

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    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

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    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

    James Caunt

    Author, Community member

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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. Let's do our bit to make our little corner of the internet a smarter, more truthful and less angry place!

    Read less »
    James Caunt

    James Caunt

    Author, Community member

    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. Let's do our bit to make our little corner of the internet a smarter, more truthful and less angry place!

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    jefbateman avatar
    Jef Bateman
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is amazing. Wouldn't you be tempted to touch it to make sure it isn't cloth?

    kippermcgee avatar
    Kipper Mcgee
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would leave a big fat mark on the sculpture examining the piece with my hands.(on accident of course)

    Load More Replies...
    justathought avatar
    just a thought !
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Omg! Even after knowing what that is , my eyes don't seem to believe it ! People are really talented !

    graugnarz avatar
    laynej3 avatar
    Layne Jenkins
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I dont believe it. If its true, that is seriously the most impressive thing I have ever seen.

    Load More Comments
    jefbateman avatar
    Jef Bateman
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is amazing. Wouldn't you be tempted to touch it to make sure it isn't cloth?

    kippermcgee avatar
    Kipper Mcgee
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would leave a big fat mark on the sculpture examining the piece with my hands.(on accident of course)

    Load More Replies...
    justathought avatar
    just a thought !
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Omg! Even after knowing what that is , my eyes don't seem to believe it ! People are really talented !

    graugnarz avatar
    laynej3 avatar
    Layne Jenkins
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I dont believe it. If its true, that is seriously the most impressive thing I have ever seen.

    Load More Comments
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