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“No two days are the same”⁠ – Thoughts after a year at the company

A PASSION FOR TIME Phil Cockell⁠ We spoke with Clock Engineer Phil Cockell to get an insight into what brought him to clockmaking and how he has found the experience of working in horology since joining the company in April of last year.⁠ ⁠ Phil: “I’ve been working for Smiths for just over a year now. After graduating from University I worked at a Pharmacy where I enjoyed the work, but was looking for something that tied in more with my interests, so I got in touch with Smith of Derby asking if they might have any jobs available. ⁠…

Do you have a clock that is gaining or losing time?

School of Jewellery Employability Fair 2023

We speak with Birmingham BA Horology Students looking to take their next steps in the world of clockmaking Yesterday a couple of us from Smiths headed down to Birmingham for the annual School of Jewellery Employability Fair where we met with students from the BA Horology Course, headed up by Jeremy Hobbins, and heard from the students about the projects they are working on and the horological skills they’ve acquired in the last three years. It was great to experience the energy of the students in the room for various subjects relating to jewellery, and especially those studying horology who are…

A Passion for Time: Kelly Powers

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…

Historic Clock Restored at Hodge House in Cardiff

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…

Thwaites & Reed Cage Clock Restoration

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…

“You Never Stop Learning” – Reflections on Horology

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….

Apprenticeship Programme: Scaling New Heights

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…

St Lawrence Jewry: Dial Installation

Clockmaker Richard Cox here gives an overview of the recent work we carried out on the four 6ft dials of St Lawrence Jewry Church in the City of London.

Dial Restoration in The City of London

St Lawrence Jewry Church “They’ve done a cracking job in the workshop. They’ve cut out all the rot, all the old bad metal, restored them fully, and obviously the crowning glory on the dials is the gild.” The four dials on the St Lawrence Jewry clock tower in the City of London have been faithfully restored and gilded with gold leaf, and painted black – the originally colour, discovered during the restoration process. A four man team of Rich, Tim, Dan and Mak travelled from the Clockworks in Derby to London with the dials. Under the guidance of project managers from Bakers…