James Cox

James Cox (c. 1723–1800) was a British jeweller, goldsmith and entrepreneur and the proprietor of Cox's Museum. He is now best known for creating ingenious automata and mechanical clocks, including Cox's timepiece, powered by atmospheric pressure, the Peacock Clock and the Silver Swan.

Early career Cox's career as a jeweler began as early as 1751, and his automatons were designed by artists like Joseph Nollekens and Johann Zoffany. In the 1760s John Joseph Merlin became his apprentice. His skill at advertising no doubt played a role in building the museum's popularity. Cox produced several catalogues As proprietor of the museum Cox may have purchased Oliver Cromwell's head as a curiosity.

Though he hoped for royal patronage, and displayed, as was common, royal portraits in the museum, The museum was removed from Spring Gardens in 1775, and after being briefly displayed at Mansion House by the Lord Mayor, Cox despatched his son John Henry to Canton, China in 1782 to sell off an accumulated stock. In Canton, both James and John Henry became partners with Daniel Beale and his brother Thomas in the firm of Cox & Beale. Cox remained in business as a retailer, if no longer as an artist or manufacturer, until his death. The swan, which can raise its neck, turn its head and (seemingly) pick up small fish, still functions, as is demonstrated daily.