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Training for all our clockmakers

February 28, 2018 Heritage, Public, Time, Traditional

Whether new to clockmaking or having years of experience, all our clockmakers have a wealth of knowledge. Our training programme is designed to share the strengths of each member of the team, which builds close working relationships as well as just learning about clocks. Aaran is new to the world of clockmaking but it was no surprise that his engineering expertise enabled him to have one of our showpiece clock movements dismantled then up and running again in what seemed like no time at all, and he even found handling the delicate gold leaf a breeze. Meanwhile Steve and Gavin…

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Automatic winding and timekeeping

February 27, 2018 Heritage, Public, Time, Traditional

A spiral staircase which will be climbed a little less from now on. Smith of Derby automatic winding and time regulation comes with an unseen but vitally important feature as standard – the facility to remove the new equipment without a trace should the clock ever be required in its former historical state. So at All Hallows Church in Walkington, East Yorkshire, the original winding handle is being carefully saved – just in case. In the meantime the long serving team of clock winders will be able to enjoy a well earned retirement. Keeping a clock wound up is hard…

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Funeral of Mr Nicholas Smith

February 22, 2018 News, Public, Time, Traditional

John Nicholas Wilkins Smith born Derby, 21st August 1935 Died peacefully at Glenfield Hospital surrounded by family on 12th February 2018. Much loved husband, father and grandfather. Funeral to celebrate his life at St Paul’s Church, Quarndon, Derbyshire on Monday 26th February at 12 noon. No flowers, but donations welcome for The Padley Centre Derby or the Gurkha Welfare Trust sent to G E Simnett & Family Funeral Directors Ltd 65 High Street, Chellaston Derby DE73 6TB.

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Announcement to friends of Smith of Derby Limited

February 13, 2018 Heritage, News, Public, Traditional

Dear friends of Smith of Derby Limited We are writing to you today to share the sad news that John Nicholas Wilkins Smith, our President and active Archivist passed away late yesterday afternoon. Mr Nick, as he was affectionately known by all of us here at Smith of Derby, died peacefully following a short illness and a heart operation. His family was with him. There will be more to say and share with all our friends in due course, but it is enough for now to let you know that after his family, his (literally!) lifelong association with the Smith…

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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: Edinburgh Morningside Pillar Clock

February 8, 2018 Uncategorized

Client: Edinburgh City Council Location: Edinburgh, UK Materials: Restored using TBC Size: 2 x 2ft 5 dials Date: 2017 Project code: 33501 Originally built adjacent to Morningside train station, this historic clock is a much loved local landmark of the Edinburgh town of Morningside. Built by James Ritchie & Son, now one of our partners, we transported the clock to our Derby workshop to dismantle and restore the clock with care, piece by piece. The dials, case and decorative surround were carefully removed by our highly skilled clockmakers, ensuring every piece was inspected and cleaned before being restored.  Restored using…

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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: St Paul’s Cathedral

Client: Whites of Appleton Location: London, UK Size: 3 X 17ft 6″ stone skeleton dial Date: Ongoing since 1893 Project code: 4005 An iconic landmark that is known around the world, St Paul’s Cathedral in London is an instantly recognizable symbol of the London skyline. Smith of Derby are proud to have built and installed St Paul’s Cathedral current clock in 1893. We have taken care of this clock ever since, ensuring that it withstands the test of time. St Paul’s Cathedral receives approximately 1,500,000 visitors every year, which puts a high responsibility on us to keep it working and…

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