Case Study: Fortnum & Mason, St Pancras Station

February 8, 2018 Creative, Public, Time, Uncategorized
Suspended mechanical clock at Fortnum & Mason retail outlet, St Pancras Station London, installed November 2013.

Suspended mechanical clock at Fortnum & Mason retail outlet, St Pancras Station London, installed November 2013.

Client: Universal Design Studio
Location: London, UK
Size: 2.4m overall diameter
Materials: Stainless steel
Date: 2013
Project code: 33083

We were commissioned to design, build and install a unique piece of clock art in time for the opening of the Fortnum and Mason tea salon at St Pancras International Station in 2013. This was a key moment for F&M, this being their first store apart from their original location on London’s Piccadilly which opened in 1707.

Emulating a 1750’s-1850’s design, our designers were inspired by clocks of that period but came up with an installation that is both intriguing and unique. As a sanctuary to take time out and relax in a busy station, our team devised a dial on which time appears to go backwards, this is the dial that faces the concourse. Extending right back through the store is a “deconstructed” installation, with a drive shaft linkage to keep the hands moving at mid-point and further back.

Separated by a brick built vaulted arch inside the restaurant, the elements are linked together by a four metre length of robust stainless-steel drive shaft. The dials of this timepiece were fabricated with care out of etched brass. This feature was then transported with care from our workshop to St Pancras station and was installed by our experts in time for the grand opening of the new tea salon. This fascinating clock can be found in the store on the ceiling, three metres above customer’s heads.

About the author

Liz Butler: For more information please contact: Liz Butler 07800 689430 or Jane Arnold 07800 689410.