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Three Years on from Elvaston Castle Clocktower Restoration

February 27, 2023 Heritage, Traditional

The clocktower at Elvaston Castle in Derbyshire houses within it a Smith of Derby clock we made in 1868. As part of the restoration to the clocktower at Elvaston Castle, which we completed three years ago this week, we took the flatbed clock to our Clockworks for a complete overhaul. We also shot-blasted and restored the levers for the bell’s hammer, and removed the dial and the wind vane; repainting, gilding and refitting them to the newly repaired copper structure.⁠ The team at Elvaston Castle were looking for ways to hold on to the integrity of the clock and maintain its…

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A Passion for Time: Kelly Powers

February 27, 2023 Uncategorized

Following a Horology Degree at Birmingham University, Kelly has been working with us at Smith of Derby since July of last year. We asked Kelly about the last 6 months and her time in the turret clockmaking industry after completing her degree. “I’ve been with Smith of Derby for 6 months now. I heard about the role through a LinkedIn post which highlighted the company’s apprenticeship scheme, which I think was during National Apprenticeship week. I sent Jane an email describing the experience I’d acquired and then came for an interview following this. I think what appealed to me about…

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Historic Clock Restored at Hodge House in Cardiff

February 14, 2023 Uncategorized

Architects and Design Practice Stride Treglown, have completed the latest stage in their £17 million refurbishment for owner Legal & General. As part of this stage, which brings the 110,000 square foot eight-storey Hodge House office building into the 21st century, the clock and four dials adorning the clock tower have been repaired by our Smith of Derby team and restored to their former glory. Repairs to the clock, which has kept accurate public time in Cardiff city centre for over 100 years, comprised, “restoration of the clock dials and mechanism, reinstatement of the bell, structural repairs, cleaning of stonework and roof repairs,” says project lead…

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Thwaites & Reed Cage Clock Restoration

February 10, 2023 Uncategorized

The team here at the Derby Works have recently completed the restoration of the Thwaites & Reed Clock belonging to Turvey Abbey Monastery. Martin Butchers, our Sales and Complex Projects Manager describes how, ‘the arbors were out of alignment, so the teeth didn’t mesh properly on the wheels, which kept stopping the clock. The solution was to completely strip the clock, make new bushes, polish the pivots and rebuild the clock and ensure that all the wheels and teeth were in perfect alignment.” Martin continues: “The painting of the cage of the clock was requested by Sister Benedict as there was…

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“You Never Stop Learning” – Reflections on Horology

February 10, 2023 Uncategorized

With the final day of National Apprenticeship Week, we thought it would be great to hear from experienced Horologist Paul. We hear why he changed careers and entered into clockmaking, what he likes about the work he does and what he think makes a good clockmaker. “I joined Smith of Derby in 2006 after a career in hospitality and transitioned to studying Horology. I was first introduced to clocks by my Grandfather who used to repair them, and can remember fondly as a four or five year old staring into the back of a clock case for the first time….

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Apprenticeship Programme: Scaling New Heights

February 7, 2023 Uncategorized

Among the skills we offer to those who join the company at Apprentice level, or after a prior career, is the opportunity to receive training for an IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) qualification. Our seven strong team of IRATA trained specialist clockmakers is headed up by Jason (here pictured alongside Tom) who has in excess of 10,000 hours of working via rope access. ⁠Expertise gained over 20 years, Jason first qualified with IRATA in 2001. Since that time, he has re-validated his Level 3 qualification every three years, as required, and has in total taken five assessments at this…

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National Apprenticeship Week 2023 #skillsforlife

February 7, 2023 News, Personnel

With National Apprenticeship Week kicking off, we asked Ryan, one of our recent apprentices to reflect on the programme: “One thing that’s surprised me about the job I am doing is how much freedom you get. In the sense that you get services to do and you get to travel around the country to do them. I knew about the travelling because of my father working for the company but it is amazing the amount of places you get to visit, you get to go to places you’ve never heard of before.” ⁠ “I now have the confidence to perform…

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