Bristol Bus Station
Client: Mowlam
Location: Bristol, UK
Size: 1.32m dials
Materials: TBC
Date: 2005
Project code: 26783
It might seem unusual to install clocks that don’t give the time at a bus station, but this has proved to be a highly intriguing time story, and of course there are plenty of digital time clocks there to assist.
The four clocks, alongside two outside to complete the set, represent an “experience in time” rather than truth in time. The developers had asked for a piece of conceptual art, hence there being only one hand on each of the clocks, which bear no markings at all. As art should, they inspire delight and confusion in equal measure. The hands of the four large drums move at different speeds; at one rev per minute, one rev per hour, one rev per 24 hours and one rev per month. The two external totem clocks rotate at one rev per 12 hours.
Peter Sully, Smith of Derby says, “This was a highly unusual concept which integrated clocks with public art. The client as part of their development has to integrate public art and because of the location and the importance of time to travel, wanted something to link the two. The clocks have always provided a great talking point and set Bristol bus station apart from its competitors.”