Richard Birkett Signed Postmodern Memphis Fantasy Clock Sculpture with King Kong

Art & Beautiful Things is pleased to offer this extraordinary Richard Birkett Fantasy Clock, a signed mixed-media sculpture with strong postmodern, Memphis, and pop-culture appeal.

This remarkable piece takes the form of a stylized Empire State Building. At the top, a small King Kong figure completes the scene. Because of that detail, the clock becomes much more than a timepiece. It becomes a playful piece of functional art.

The design immediately recalls one of the most famous images in film history. King Kong climbs the Empire State Building, while the city watches below. Here, Birkett turns that dramatic moment into a witty sculptural object.

As a result, the clock feels theatrical, nostalgic, and beautifully unusual. It has humor, design history, and strong visual presence.

A Postmodern Fantasy Clock

Richard Birkett is known for imaginative fantasy clocks. His work often combines found objects, toy figures, painted surfaces, and bold sculptural forms.

Rather than making ordinary clocks, Birkett creates small handmade worlds. Each piece has its own character. This example has especially strong personality because of its King Kong theme.

A tall black tower rises from a long stepped base. The tower suggests a miniature skyscraper. Cream-colored grid details run up the structure and across the platform. These details give the piece an architectural feeling.

In addition, the black surface has energetic white splatter paint throughout. This surface treatment gives the clock a faux marble effect. It also connects the piece to postmodern design and abstract painting.

King Kong and the Empire State Building

The King Kong figure gives this clock its central story. Birkett places the figure at the top of the tower, exactly where the eye expects it.

Because of that placement, the viewer understands the reference right away. The piece suggests the Empire State Building, classic film history, and the famous King Kong scene.

However, the clock does not feel serious or heavy. Instead, it feels clever and joyful. Birkett uses the reference with humor and charm.

The Empire State Building theme also adds Art Deco character. The tall vertical form, stepped base, and strong geometry all suggest skyscraper design. At the same time, the splatter paint and bright clock accents bring the piece into the postmodern era.

Memphis Style and Sculptural Design

This Richard Birkett Fantasy Clock also reflects the spirit of Memphis design. The Memphis movement began in the early 1980s. Designers connected to that movement embraced bold color, pattern, geometry, and humor.

Birkett’s clock shares that same energy. It does not hide its personality. Instead, it celebrates shape, color, and surprise.

The round clock face extends from the tower on two horizontal rods. This creates a strong asymmetrical composition. The black splatter-painted surround frames a cream grid-patterned center.

Square hour markers add more geometric interest. Meanwhile, the turquoise and pink hands give the face a bright postmodern accent.

Below the face, a long turquoise pendulum adds movement. Its circular bob repeats the color of the hands and gives the piece balance.

A Functional Work of Art

This piece works as both clock and sculpture. It has the scale and presence of a gallery object. At the same time, it still serves a practical purpose.

That mix makes Birkett’s work especially appealing. His fantasy clocks sit between design, folk assemblage, studio sculpture, and decorative art.

This example measures approximately 30″ high, 18″ long, and almost 6″ wide. Because of its size, it has more impact than many smaller Birkett clocks. It can easily hold attention across a room.

Why This Piece Matters

Several design ideas come together in this clock. It references Art Deco skyscraper architecture. It also uses postmodern pattern, humor, and color.

In addition, the King Kong figure adds a pop-culture layer. That detail gives the clock broad appeal. Design collectors, film lovers, and art clock collectors could all respond to it.

The piece would work beautifully in a collection of postmodern design, Memphis-style decorative arts, mixed-media sculpture, or artist-made clocks.

Most importantly, it has the rare quality every strong statement piece needs. It starts a conversation.

Measurements

Measurements: 30″ height, 18″ length, and almost 6″ width.

Condition

Very good vintage condition with wear consistent with age, use, and handmade construction.

The piece shows minor surface wear, small marks, and natural irregularities from the hand-painted mixed-media design. The clock works and is signed on the bottom.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they are part of the description.

Closing

This signed Richard Birkett Fantasy Clock combines postmodern design, Memphis style, Art Deco architecture, and King Kong-inspired pop-culture charm.

It is bold, witty, sculptural, and memorable.

Thank you for visiting Art & Beautiful Things, where we enjoy finding and preserving beautiful pieces from the past.