Posts In: Creative

Smith of Derby Crafts the UK’s Highest Clock for London’s Skyline

February 12, 2024 Creative

Last year we collaborated with Make Architects and Skanska to design, manufacture, and install a remarkable new timepiece for 20 and 22 Ropemaker Street, gracing the skyline of Old Park Lane Management’s latest development in the City of London. Standing at a staggering 400 feet tall, the Ropemaker Clock now holds the title of the highest clock on any building in the United Kingdom. In wanting to pay homage to the London’s rich history of clockmaking, and nearby Clerkenwell where much of this took place, our clients said they chose to work with us as they were looking for makers who carry…

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Clocks provide school exam inspiration!

November 14, 2018 Creative, News, Personnel, Public

Earlier in the year Bruntcliffe Academy, Leeds, approached Potts of Leeds, part of the Smith of Derby group, to provide clock parts for students to use in their upcoming exam. Leeds based clockmaker Mike Tomlinson was delighted to help the school, supplying various parts for students to use in the exams. Following this we had a very kind letter from Richard Hall, the photography teacher at the school: “Each year, just after Christmas, the exam board publishes the final project theme for Britain’s GCSE Art, Design and Photography students. 16-year-old students the length and breadth of the country wait with…

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Case Study: Waldorf Astoria, Ras Al Khaimah

February 8, 2018 Creative, Public, Time, Uncategorized

Designer: Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) Location: UAE Size: 6 metres in height Materials: bronze, stainless steel, etched glass and champagne gold leaf Date: 2015 Project code: 31974 We were proud to fabricate the centrepiece lobby clock for the opulent reception at the Waldorf Astoria Luxury hotel in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Smith of Derby Ltd was engaged to create the centrepiece by leading London design practice, Hirsch Bedner Associates, (HBA). Seen by hotel guests who have travelled from around the world, the clock stands at over six metres high and is regarded as a golden masterpiece. Culturally rich in design,…

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Case Study: University of Leeds Faculty of Engineering

February 8, 2018 Creative, News, Public, Time, Uncategorized

Client: University of Leeds Location: Leeds, UK Size: 2.4m overall diameter Materials: Aluminum and LED illumination Date: 2017 Product code: 36381 We were commissioned to create a bespoke clock for the University of Leeds Faculty of Engineering as part of their renovation in 2017. Working with tones of white, brown and black, a design was developed that fitted seamlessly within the scheme. The raised illuminated ring markers on the clock responded to the main lighting which featured on the ceiling. This design device helps to bring coherence to the whole refurbished building. This 2.4 m diameter clock was created at…

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Case Study: 8 Salisbury Square

February 8, 2018 Creative, Public, Time, Uncategorized

Architect: TP Bennett Location: London, UK Size: 4.5 x 3.5m Materials: Bronze & LED illumination Date: 2017 Project code: 34999 Working closely with TP Bennett architects, we were commissioned to create a contemporary exterior clock for 8 Salisbury Square, London. The design of this state-of-the-art clock was created by our innovative design team, in accordance with the architects specification. Our highly skilled clockmakers then manufactured the 4.5m x 3.5m clock with care and transported the finished feature to the contractors who were manufacturing the wall panels. It was pre-installed on these prior to arrival at its final home, 8 Salisbury…

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Case Study: Beckfoot & Hazelbeck School

February 8, 2018 Creative, Public, Time, Uncategorized

Client: Beckfoot & Hazelbeck School Location: Bingley, UK Size: 3.9m overall diameter Materials: Aluminium Date: 2010 Project code: 31140 This 3.9m clock gives an identity to Beckfoot and Hazelbeck school’s new building. An initial sketch was sent to the design team at Smith of Derby from the architects working on the project. We integrated their ideas into a detailed design and drew on our experience of similar jobs to produce a striking yet affordable solution. Keeping in mind the contemporary design, this clock was created from anodized aluminium and features 12 digits finished in black. Every quarter digit is positioned…

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Case Study: German Gymnasium

February 8, 2018 Creative, Public, Time, Uncategorized

Client: Conran & Partners Location: London, UK Size: 2m diameter Materials: Date: 2015 Project code: 35095 We were commissioned to create a stunning feature clock at the German Gymnasium restaurant in King’s Cross, London, which opened in October 2015. The design is based upon the era of the mid-1800s: the building was created in 1864 for the German Gymnastics Society and housed the first purpose-build gymnasium in England. It was picked by the National Olympian Association to host the indoor events of the first UK-hosted Olympic Games. The clock reflects the buildings heritage and beginnings, and that it is positioned…

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Case Study: Bristol Bus Station

February 8, 2018 Creative, Public, Uncategorized

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…

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Case Study: Fortnum & Mason, St Pancras Station

February 8, 2018 Creative, Public, Time, Uncategorized

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…

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Case Study: Royal Derby Hospital

February 8, 2018 Creative, Public, Time, Uncategorized

Client: Derby NHS Hospital Trust Location: Derby , UK Size: height, 7m, rotating sculpture height, 3m. Materials: Stainless steel and LED illumination Date:2008 Project code: 29633 We were commissioned by Derby NHS Hospital Trust to design, fabricate and install a landmark pedestal clock as part of their £334 million development. With care at the heart of the NHS and with the history of Derby, we created a clock that symbolised both aspects. Florence Nightingale is famous worldwide as the ‘Lady with the Lamp’. She is also famous in Derby after her correspondence with Dr William Ogle of Derbyshire Royal Infirmary…

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