Posts In: Uncategorized

Apprentice Restoration of 17th Century Clock

April 8, 2024 Uncategorized

Our team of apprentice clockmakers have been guided by Turret Clock expert Andy Burdon through the various stages of restoration, taking on centuries-old clockmaking knowledge and techniques. They’ve learned the intricacies of repairing delicate mechanisms, from the Frame to the Wheel Arbor, the Winding Handle and the Double Three-Legged Gravity Escapement. Video: Here Andy Burdon gives an overview of the work carried out by the apprentice team under his guidance on the St Peter’s Church Clock, Bishops Waltham.   Working on the clock with Andy Burdon, apprentices: Mitch Eaton Brandon Litchfield Ethan Burnett This unique project is a testament to…

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Iconic Cardiff Clock Restored

April 3, 2024 Uncategorized

The iconic Potts of Leeds Clock, originally gracing the Bute Docks Building (known as “The Pierhead Clock”) and more recently standing at home on St Mary’s Street, has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment by our team of clockmakers at Smith of Derby. Removed in 1973 and later acquired by Cardiff City Council, the clock embarked on a journey that saw it travel across the Atlantic and back before finally returning to the city in 2005.  At Smith of Derby Clockmakers we were entrusted with the task of bringing the clock back to life in 2010, and across recent months have undertaken…

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British Science Week – Teacher Resource Pack

March 4, 2024 Uncategorized

British Science Week 18 – 17 March ** Download here: British Science Week Teacher Resource  **

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National Apprenticeship Week

February 5, 2024 Uncategorized

National Apprenticeship Week is here and we thought there’d be no better way of marking the week than by showcasing our apprentice team’s recent work on St Peter’s Church Clock, Bishop’s Waltham.⁠ This magnificent 17th-century clock has undergone a complete restoration by our skilled team here at our Derby Clockworks. But this project hasn’t just been about preserving history; it’s about shaping the future.⁠ Our team of apprentice clockmakers have been guided by Turret Clock expert Andy Burdon through the various stages of restoration, taking on centuries-old clockmaking knowledge and techniques. They’ve learned the intricacies of repairing delicate mechanisms, from…

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Clock Tower Receives Comprehensive Restoration

December 14, 2023 Uncategorized

We were recently contacted by a client seeking assistance with the non-functional clock on their clock turret at the Clock House, Tamworth. Originally a stable block, the building has been transformed into a residential property owned by our client. Following a thorough site inspection, our team identified issues with the clock movement, controller, and structural integrity of the tower, which exhibited signs of deterioration in certain areas. Addressing the client’s desire for enhanced maintenance and longevity, we implemented a strategic solution. Our experts installed a new Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) turret, featuring LED lighting for two 3ft Skeleton dials adorned…

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Harnessing Solar in Jamaica

November 27, 2023 Uncategorized

Team Complete Restoration Work on Mandeville Parish Church Clock in Jamaica October 2023 – Mandeville Parish Church, Jamaica Our Smith of Derby team have successfully completed the restoration of the clock and dial at Mandeville Parish Church in Jamaica. Roydell Williams, Treasurer at Mandeville Parish Church, expressed his gratitude for the restoration work, saying, “The clock is working perfectly. We wish to thank Smith of Derby for the excellent restoration work done on the clock and to you Martin, Julie, Johnny, Ben, Joe, and the rest of the technical team for the professional manner in which the project was handled.”…

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Restoration of Copper Dials at St Mark’s Church, Fairfield

November 20, 2023 Uncategorized

We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the restoration project for the copper dial at St. Mark’s Church in Fairfield. Steering the refurbishment with a keen eye has been our Complex Projects Manager Martin Butchers.   Embarking on this journey, a careful examination revealed the copper dial’s gentle dislodgment by the wind. The original attachment, featuring traditional wooden plugs and slotted screws, had weathered over the years, leading to instability. The restoration unfolded as a process, bringing the dial back to its original black colour, adorned with gold leaf detailing and hands. Our team were able replaced the previous clock…

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Bringing Joy to Bradford on Avon’s Christ Church Community

November 15, 2023 Uncategorized

Introduction: In a celebration of heritage and community, residents of Bradford on Avon are enjoying the return of their clock to Christ Church, following an extensive £16,000 repair and restoration endeavor. The clock’s newly regilded hands and dial, perched atop the Grade II listed Christ Church spire, were reinstalled in October, marking a significant milestone 160 years after their initial installation. A Special Two-Day Celebration: The restoration of the Christ Church clock was celebrated with a special two-day event that drew in over a hundred enthusiastic visitors. Among those in attendance were three classes from the nearby Christ Church Primary…

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140 Year Old Town Hall Clock Starts It Restoration Journey

November 7, 2023 Uncategorized

An iconic clock that has stood out on the Dover skyline for 140 years is to be restored as part of the £10.5 million reawakening of the Maison Dieu (Dover Town Hall). The clock was carefully removed from the building today (6 November 2023) for the first time since 1902 and is being transported to our Derby Clockworks.  The restoration will see the clock repaired to full working order, including restoring the lighting so that the clock can be seen day and night for generations to come. The Maison Dieu tower clock was made in 1883 by E Dent &…

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The Eastgate Clock – A Joyce of Whitchurch Classic

November 1, 2023 Uncategorized

The Eastgate Clock stands as a turret clock positioned above the Eastgate within the historic walls of Chester. With our Clockmakers completing the annual service of the clock last month, we thought we’d share some of this incredible clock’s history: While the initial gate was of Roman origin, the current structure, constructed during the Georgian era, was designed to accommodate coaches. The clock was not incorporated until the Victorian period, commemorating Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee. The Eastgate Clock has served as a significant entrance to the city of Chester since Roman times, functioning as the eastern gateway to the fortress. It…

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