Our Scottish Clock Company restores Edinburgh Morningside Clock

July 17, 2017 Heritage, News, Public, Traditional

 

Edinburgh Morningside Clock Restoration by James Ritchie & Son Clockmakers (Edinburgh), part of Smith of Derby Ltd

Edinburgh Morningside Clock Restoration by James Ritchie & Son Clockmakers (Edinburgh), part of Smith of Derby Ltd

Time takes its toll on even the best loved clocks. Though not so obvious at a glance, there were plenty of good reasons to restore the Edinburgh Morningside clock. With dials, case and decorative surround carefully removed and brought to our workshops, the extent of the task was all too clear.

Edinburgh Morningside Clock Restoration by James Ritchie Clockmakers in partnership with Smith of Derby Ltd.

Edinburgh Morningside Clock Restoration by James Ritchie Clockmakers in partnership with Smith of Derby Ltd.

Clearing the old glazing cement from the skeleton dial

Clearing the old glazing cement from the skeleton dial

There’s no blueprint for clocks of this age. Many were individually built, making the nature of the repairs individual too. But our metal fabrication engineers are well used to this. We have a small workforce, but between them they have clocked up many years with our company and have had many similar jobs pass through their hands.

 

Edinburgh Morningside Clock Restoration by James Ritchie Clockmakers in partnership with Smith of Derby Ltd.

Edinburgh Morningside Clock Coat-of Arms. Our Finishing Technician applying intricate paintwork.

Edinburgh Morningside Clock Restoration by James Ritchie Clockmakers in partnership with Smith of Derby Ltd.

Smith of Derby clockmakers skills  go beyond cutting, shaping and welding metal  – finishing a historic clock complete with a finely cast coat-of arms demands painstaking care. It’s this attention to detail that counts – not just in the external finish but, maybe more importantly, on the parts that are not seen every day. That the clock had stood for around 100 years is an impressive achievement, but rebuilt using the best materials, paints and sealants now available, we believe that we have more than doubled its life. Originally built as a timepiece adjacent to Morningside station, this clock has outlived its original purpose as a timely reminder for rail commuters, but remains a much loved local landmark. Who knows if it might one day see the return of trains and remind travellers to watch the time? 
WWW.IANGEORGESONPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK Picture: The Fully Restored Morningside Clock was put back in position today after being refurbished by James Ritchie and sons which took just over 6weeks. Engineer Craig Park (Orange Vest) and Sales Manager Tony Charlesworth (Yellow vest)

Photo credit: www.iangeorgesonphotography.co.uk
The fully restored Morningside Clock was put back in position after being refurbished for just over 6 weeks by our Edinburgh based Clockmaker James Ritchie and Sons. Edinburgh based clockmaker Craig Park (Orange Vest) and Technical Sales Engineer Tony Charlesworth (Yellow vest)

 

 

Edinburgh Morningside Pillar Clock

Now – Edinburgh Morningside Street Clock in 2017

If you’d like a public clock restoring or perhaps your clock is in need of repair and you’re looking for a local clockmaker?  We’d love to hear from you.

Please contact us on 01332 345669 or visit our Contact page or Smith of Derby Clock Repairers

To read more about this landmark street Clock in Edinburgh, please visit http://Edinburgh Scotsman Morningside

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the author

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