Posts In: Time

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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Case Study: German Gymnasium

February 8, 2018 Creative, Public, Time, Uncategorized

Client: Conran & Partners Location: London, UK Size: 2m diameter Materials: Date: 2015 Project code: 35095 We were commissioned to create a stunning feature clock at the German Gymnasium restaurant in King’s Cross, London, which opened in October 2015. The design is based upon the era of the mid-1800s: the building was created in 1864 for the German Gymnastics Society and housed the first purpose-build gymnasium in England. It was picked by the National Olympian Association to host the indoor events of the first UK-hosted Olympic Games. The clock reflects the buildings heritage and beginnings, and that it is positioned…

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Case Study: LSQ London

February 8, 2018 Public, Time, Uncategorized

Client: Make Architects Location: 48 Leicester Square, London Size: 4 x 1.6m overall diameter Materials: Aluminium and glass Date: 2016 Project code: 33105 In the heart of London, 48 Leicester Square is a familiar historic building.  In need of restoration but keeping the 1920’s characteristics, we were approached by Make Architects to supply and install a set of four 1.6m diameter illuminated clocks to crown each corner of the building. The brief was to capture the appeal of today’s West End while preserving the elegance of the original stone façade. With this brief in mind, our highly skilled clockmakers designed,…

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Case Study: Fortnum & Mason, St Pancras Station

February 8, 2018 Creative, Public, Time, Uncategorized

Client: Universal Design Studio Location: London, UK Size: 2.4m overall diameter Materials: Stainless steel Date: 2013 Project code: 33083 We were commissioned to design, build and install a unique piece of clock art in time for the opening of the Fortnum and Mason tea salon at St Pancras International Station in 2013. This was a key moment for F&M, this being their first store apart from their original location on London’s Piccadilly which opened in 1707. Emulating a 1750’s-1850’s design, our designers were inspired by clocks of that period but came up with an installation that is both intriguing and…

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Case Study: Royal Derby Hospital

February 8, 2018 Creative, Public, Time, Uncategorized

Client: Derby NHS Hospital Trust Location: Derby , UK Size: height, 7m, rotating sculpture height, 3m. Materials: Stainless steel and LED illumination Date:2008 Project code: 29633 We were commissioned by Derby NHS Hospital Trust to design, fabricate and install a landmark pedestal clock as part of their £334 million development. With care at the heart of the NHS and with the history of Derby, we created a clock that symbolised both aspects. Florence Nightingale is famous worldwide as the ‘Lady with the Lamp’. She is also famous in Derby after her correspondence with Dr William Ogle of Derbyshire Royal Infirmary…

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Case Study: University of Derby Interior Clock

January 31, 2018 Creative, Public, Time, Uncategorized

Client: University of Derby Location: Derby, UK Size: 1.7m overall diameter Students and lecturers at the University of Derby are welcomed by this modern clock design as they approach the internal stairwell of the Westwing building. This bespoke clock was part of a renovation that transformed a sports hall into lecture rooms and offices. It has introduced dynamism and character into what might have been a blank space. Keeping to the colour scheme set by the interior designer, Paragon Interiors, this clock was created with laser-cut aluminium numerals and striking white and yellow hands. Presented on a black wall, this…

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Training key priority for Smith of Derby Clockmakers

January 16, 2018 Heritage, News, Public, Time, Traditional

Our clockmakers were taken off the road last week for training at our Derby workshop. This included working with external specialists as well as experts from within the team on aspects of traditional turret clock history and care; health and safety; customer relations and electronics. They were also introduced to new products and some projects in development. Safety is a main priority for our company with our specialists receiving training and maintenance checks on their equipment and company vehicles ensuring we are a safe pair of hands. It is part of our ongoing commitment to enhance the knowledge and skills…

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Historic clock paves the way for future expertise

January 5, 2018 Heritage, News, Time, Traditional

Turret clock and Harrison specialist, Chris McKay, is today working alongside our apprentices to restore the James Harrison of Hulls clock which arrived at our Derby workshop on 22nd December. The preliminary analysis of the clock marks the first step towards a restoration which will see the piece reinstalled at the Derby Silk Mill as part of their renovation to become the Museum of Making 2020. Smith of Derby apprentice, Mitch, is excited to work on the restoration. He says, “This clock has not worked for a while and I look forward to being part of the process to see…

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See our apprentices dismantling the James Harrison of Hull’s clock @derbysilkmill

December 22, 2017 Heritage, News, Public, Time, Traditional

Check out our apprentice clockmakers Sam, Mitch and Tom dismantling the James Harrison of Hull’s Clock @derbysilkmill on Monday 18th December. James Harrison of Hull’s clock is now @smithofderby workshop waiting to be carefully restored under the guidance of turret clock and particularly Harrison specialist Chris McKay. For the latest updates please visit twitter pages @derbymuseums @smithofderby.

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