As part of a wider ‘Arts & Heritage in the Public Realm’ strategy, a series of arts proposals have been commissioned by Derby Silk Mill linked to its ongoing Re:imagine programme, to become a new Museum of Making. Artist and maker Andy Plant has recently been commissioned to undertake a short in-house residency to explore a potential time-based work, including links to Smith of Derby and related clock-making collections held within the Silk Mill. As part of this initial micro commission, Andy and Arts Consultant Ian Banks visited our works on Friday 10th March to introduce the potential project concept….
We’ve opened the UK’s first training centre dedicated solely to helping secure future generations of clockmakers. Inspired by the desire to help train its apprentices and continue the traditions of our family-owned business, we’re also looking at ways of working with schools, colleges and education establishments to help provide a platform for clockmaking and engineering expertise. The training centre, within our Smith of Derby clock works in Derby, features a full-scale turret clock with both traditional and technologically advanced operating equipment, creating a unique environment for skills development. Tony Charlesworth, Technical Sales Manager with responsibility for overseeing training, said:…
Watch this touching short video as Jonathan Lee, one of our clockmakers takes you through a typical day. Jonathan has been with us for 47 years, he started in July 1970 for John Smith & Sons. A pleasure to watch a craftsmen at work. Go to videos page