Smith of Derby News

New clock at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:55:20 +0000

Those who know their football will be aware that the clock at Arsenal’s old Highbury ground was one of the great iconic images of its time; we are proud to still maintain the upkeep of the clock in its current position on the outside of the Emirates Stadium. We also built a half-size replica of the original clock and this sits proudly in the stadium’s ‘Diamond Club’.

Bob Betts, Smith of Derby managing director said “Naturally we are delighted to be maintaining our close relationship with Arsenal by securing the commission to provide a new clock for the Emirates Stadium; we’re confident that this will become just as popular a feature of the ground as the original clock was.”

Potter clock at London station

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:00:59 +0000

A classic projecting clock that appeared in the Harry Potter films, now sits in Smith of Derby’s factory waiting for refurbishment.

The clock is over two metres in diameter, and like many others of this style of clock, was used as the standard clock by railway companies in Victorian times.

To read the full article about the clock in Arab news click here.

To learn more about our Projecting Clocks and services click here.

To register your interest contact:

jane.arnold@smithofderby.com or

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Smith of Derby on Channel 4 News

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:57:47 +0000

Researchers for Channel 4 News approached the Derby-based clockmaking company for our view of the latest GDP (Gross Domestic Profit) figures for the economy.

Bob’s message was that Smith of Derby is ahead of plan in their Traditional markets in the UK and a pipeline of future opportunity continues to build in our international markets.

The recent crisis in the Euro Zone however, Bob says, cast doubt on the speed of recovery in home markets generally.

To view the full interview click here.

Learn more here about our products and services.

To register your interest in any of our products and services contact:

jane.arnold@smithofderby.com or

tel 07800 689 410

Swiss Glockenspiel returns

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:00:45 +0000

One of London’s best-loved landmarks has been returned to Leicester Square, reviving a sight and sound that has given pleasure to millions of Londoners and visitors. The Glockenspiel that rang out from the corner of the Swiss Centre has been returned as a redesigned free-standing unit and will be formally inaugurated on 28 November.

The original Glockenspiel – consisting of 27 bells, an astronomical clock and a procession of 23 farmers herding their cows to Alpine pasture – was given to the City of Westminster on its 400th anniversary in 1985 by Switzerland and Liechtenstein as a token of centuries of friendship. Redevelopment of the Swiss Centre from 2008 entailed its removal, but it was a condition of planning approval that the Glockenspiel should return to the square.

The historic world-leading clockmaking company, Smith of Derby, was asked by the developer, McAleer & Rushe, and Switzerland Tourism, to design and create the clock from a basic concept. The brief required it to retain a strong Swiss identity and harmonise with the surrounding buildings and urban context.

The Glockenspiel will be formally inaugurated at 12.30pm on Monday 28 November by Councillor Susie Burbridge, the Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Westminster, HE Mr Anton Thalmann, Ambassador of Switzerland to the UK, and Mr Urs Eberhard, Executive Vice President of Switzerland Tourism. A past President of the Swiss Confederation, Mr Adolf Ogi, is honouring the occasion with his presence.

The ceremony will include a demonstration of the way that the Glockenspiel has been designed so that it can be played live by plugging in a keyboard. Six Alphorn players will be placed on various roofs around Leicester Square, some hidden so that people in Leicester Square will wonder where the sound is coming from. At street level traditional bell-playing folklore groups from various parts of Switzerland will parade towards the Glockenspiel and create a circle around the guests. The Glockenspiel will give solo performances and in unison with the bell-ringers.

Speeches of welcome will be made by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, the Swiss Ambassador, Mr Adolf Ogi and Urs Eberhard of Switzerland Tourism.

To read the full press release click here.

Learn more about Smith of Derby products here.

Contact:

jane.arnold@smithofderby.com or tel:

01332 257118 or 07800 689 410

Historic Pierhead Clock back in Cardiff...

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:05:24 +0000

The historic Pierhead clock that stood in Cardiff docks for nearly 80 years was unveiled on Tuesday November 8^th, 2011, after being restored to its former glory by world renowned clockmakers, Smith of Derby. A special parade was held to mark the unveiling of the Pierhead Clock, which returned to Cardiff after an absence of nearly 40 years, including a Royal British Legion marching band.

The restoration of the 114-year-old clock was a special moment for the firm’s engineers as the original was made by Potts of Leeds, which is owned by Smith of Derby, when installed in the Welsh capital’s Pierhead building in 1897.

It was auctioned off by British Rail in 1973 and then sold on to an American collector, Alan Heldman, three years later. In 2004 he decided that the mechanism should be returned from Alabama to Cardiff, and having been restored, its unveiling will mark the completion of major city centre improvements in Cardiff.

Eric Beardow, Senior Clockmaker at Smith of Derby, said the restoration work included replacing lost parts and making a completely new strike second wheel, part of the gear structure which allows the bell to be struck, which engineers were able to do using original Potts parts. The clock was then repainted in traditional Potts livery of burgundy and black. “We found an old photograph showing a clock of a similar vintage which allowed us to repaint this one in traditional Potts colours,” he added.

New dials, a bell, hammer, gears and dialworks have also been used, as well as the inclusion of the latest technology in a pendulum regulator to help preserve accuracy, and an automatic winding system.

Bob Betts, Managing Director of Smith of Derby, said: “The challenge was how to take an antique clock and adhere to all the regulations surrounding antiques whilst creating an iconic clock for the people of Cardiff. There is a great story and history to the clock and, being one of our own originally, to see it up and running again is something everyone at Smith of Derby is very proud of."

A piece of art housing the clock mechanism has been created by the artist Marianne Forrest, and the clock will be surrounded by a metallic question mark, providing information about the history of the clock and the docks area. It also houses three replica monkeys, which will strike hourly chimes, which have local historical significance. The clock will stand in the spot where, in the late 18th Century, ships would have operated before Cardiff Docks were built. Cardiff Council Leader, Councillor Rodney Berman, described the new clock as “a really impressive piece of public art”. Pat Thompson, Commercial Development Manager for Cardiff City Council said to Bob Betts. “Thanks for all your efforts and those of your team, not forgetting Marianne. It is a credit to your company and will be a key meeting point for the people of Cardiff.”

To read the write-up on the BBC’s web site click here.

Learn more about Smith of Derby’s products and services here.

Contact:

sharon.thornhill@smithofderby.com

tel: 01332 345569

Blair Atholl Castle Clock

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:36:58 +0000

When a fire destroyed the clock tower at the historic Blair Castle in 2011, there were fears that the famous clocks would be lost forever.

The tower is a main feature of the 13^th Century castle in Perthshire, which is one of Scotland’s major tourist attractions, and was devastated in the blaze.

But thanks to Smith of Derby, the clocks have been rebuilt and are better than ever, using the most modern technology behind the face of centuries of history.

The four independent clocks are run off a calculated control unit, with automatic seasonal updates, and are designed to run in powers cuts.

Tony Charlesworth, Smith of Derby’s Scotland-based Technical Sales Engineer, said: “It’s a really clever bit of kit; it keeps running through all weathers and power cuts. The Castle can be in complete darkness for two or three days yet the clock will still be working to the correct time.”

Tony said that the original clocks were too damaged to be saved. “We were asked to see if we could rebuild the original but it was too damaged.

“We replaced the old with the modern, substituting copper for the facing instead of the original wood, ensuriing both longevity and an amazing finish, as well as incorporating the existing hands with the new mechanism.”

The clock tower, a Grade A listed building, had to undergo substantial renovation to restore it to its former glory.

Smith of Derby has looked after the Blair Castle, near the village of Blair Atholl in Perthshire, prior to the fire, for over 30 years, and will continue to look after it for the foreseeable future.

For more information on Smith of Derby products and services:

click here

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T: 01332 345 569

Clocking Up 20 Years!

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:26:17 +0000

Smith of Derby is always keen to work with our local schools and colleges as we believe in nurturing new young talent who often bring inspiration and fresh ideas to the table.

We are delighted to report on the progress of a project we have been working on with Yr 12 students from Landau Forte.

Landau Forte’s Special 20th Year Anniversary Edition of ‘NEWSLINK’ featured this article:

Lauren Collings, Year 12 reports…..

'As you will be aware from the last issue of Newslink, we were set a project to commemorate 20 years of learning at Landau Forte College by designing a clock for the reception area of the main building in conjunction with Smith of Derby, a local clock making firm with a history spanning well over a century. After our second visit to Smith of Derby we were all extremely enthused and really keen to start developing the details of the concept we had brainstormed.

Since our last article we have been hard at work finalising the details of the clock. Working together we drew out the design using Computer Aided Design. This helped us greatly to work accurately and it allowed us to quickly see if the design was working or to make amendments. Using Google Sketch-up we were even able to construct a realistic representation of how the clock would eventually look in the space above reception.

When we were happy with the final design we produced a range of graphic boards to take with us back to Smith of Derby to present to Mr Bob Betts, the Managing Director of Smith of Derby. Mr Betts was very complimentary about the work and before we had time to worry about it, we were presenting the design to his chief designer, graphic designer and structural engineer. There were also very impressed with both our designs and our level of professionalism and it felt really good to hear this coming from qualified designers working in industry.

The only thing remaining was to get the design signed off by Mrs Coffey and we arranged a date and time to present the concept. Mrs Coffey was thrilled with the design and asked us to present the design to the board of governors.

The design is now with Smith of derby and they have started manufacturing the product. We are excited to see what our hard work will look like after the summer holidays when the clock is finally installed into the reception area.'

Bondholders Celebrate 20th Anniversary

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 09:10:08 +0000

Smith of Derby has been working with students of Landau Forte College, to create a time piece to mark the 20th anniversary of the college. Our designers worked with product design students to create a clock that would be iconic, and celebrate this event.

The unveiling took place last Thursday at the college, where many students, staff, parents, and others involved in the college gathered to celebrate this event.

Guests including founding sponsors Martin Landau and Sir Rocco Forte joined staff and pupils to celebrate the unveiling, with special performances from the drama department. There were also speeches from Chairman Peter Ashworth, as well as Chief Executive of the college's charitable trust, and College Principal Liz Coffey.

Click here to read more.

Theresa May MP opens new village clock in Sonning

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 09:48:47 +0000

A traditional village clock marking the Diamond Jubilee has been unveiled by MP Theresa May.

The clock, made by the bespoke Smith of Derby group, was installed for around £8,500 thanks largely to generous donations from the village.

The Sonning MP visited Pearson Hall in Pearson Road, Sonning, in October to pull a Union Flag from the commemorative clock.

The Rev Jamie Taylor said: “The parish commemorated the jubilee in many spectacular ways like festivals and parties.

To find out more and to read the full article on www.getwokingham.co.uk, click here.

We raced to King's Cross Station's rescue

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 12:34:20 +0000

With the deadline fast approaching for the opening of a major station refurbishment at King's Cross in London. Coupled with a long list of dignitaries lined up to attend, Network Rail realised that a clock on platform 1 dating back to 1887 hadn’t worked for 20 years and needed a complete renovation.

The Smith of Derby team had to work around the clock to renovate the timepiece back to its former glory ensuring that all passengers made their trains on time!

After completing the restoration, the team were not phased by time pressure and ensured that it was a job well done.

Marks and Spencer Kirkgate Market

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:39:57 +0000

Marks and Spencer’s are re-visiting their past; they have opened a Victorian stall in Kirkgate Market, Leeds where the brand first started out over 130 years ago.

The Marks & Spencer stall is right besides the famous M&S clock in the 1904 building of Kirkgate Market.

You will be able to enjoy a coffee, learn about the heritage of the M&S brand and buy branded merchandise. As the new stall launches an M&S Heritage trail will also be launched with Leeds City Council. The self guided walk will start at the market stall and finish at the company’s archive, taking in places of historic interest for the company around the city.