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A restoration project filled with nostalgia for Dundee residents

February 15, 2021 News, Public, Uncategorized

When jeweller Chisholm Hunter opened their Dundee boutique in early 2020 in the vacant H Samuel premises, they promised to restore a clock that holds a special place in the hearts and minds of local residents. The clock projects out above the corner of High Street and Reform Street, which is a famed meeting point for couples on first dates. Unfortunately, it is also a spot where many individuals have been stood up, earning it the nickname of ‘Duffer’s Corner!’ Together with the Dundee Historic Environment Trust, Chisholm Hunter enlisted Smith of Derby to restore the clock to its former…

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Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 8th-14th February 2021

February 8, 2021 Uncategorized

Today marks the start of the 14th annual National Apprenticeship Week. A celebration that puts a spotlight on the value that apprenticeships and training have for businesses across all sectors, for communities, and for the economy. At Smith of Derby we are extremely proud, not only of the award-winning apprenticeship scheme we have been running for the last six years – in partnership with Learning Unlimited, but also of our successful links with local learning establishments, the University of Derby and the JCB Academy. We have been able to strengthen our team thanks to our ambitious apprenticeship scheme and the…

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Season’s Greetings to all our Customers and Friends

December 18, 2020 Uncategorized

We are closed for Christmas from today until Monday 4th January 2021 when we reopen our works. We are operating an emergency helpline for urgent calls during this period – please call 01332 345569 for assistance.  2020 has really brought home the importance of public time for our communities. We have always thought of the public clock as the ‘heartbeat of a community’ and over our 164-year long history of creating and caring for public time, we are proud to safeguard our community timepieces for future generations to enjoy. This year has also seen us start an important and wonderful…

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Historic Birmingham Landmark to be Restored to Former Glory

August 11, 2020 Uncategorized

The Jewellery Quarter’s 117-year-old Chamberlain Clock will be removed this month for extensive repairs and restoration. On the 22nd August 2020, the process will begin to dismantle and remove the Chamberlain Clock from its current home on the roundabout junction of Warstone Lane and Vyse Street in the Jewellery Quarter, for clock-makers Smith of Derby to begin the extensive restoration project. Following the refurbishment, it is expected the Clock will be reinstated in early 2021, complete with a new information panel. The refurbishment of the Clock was a winning pledge in the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District’s (JQBID) 2017 renewal…

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Clockmaker Clocks Up 50 years’ service

July 24, 2020 Uncategorized

This week marks a very special celebration for one of our clockmakers. Jonathan Lee (Jon) celebrates 50 years of continuous service with the company, from school days to today.  Jon joined the company on the 24th July 1970 at the age of 15, as a school leaver, quite literally, finishing school on the Thursday and started work on the Friday! Jon completed his clockmaking apprenticeship over 7 years and has continued his service since then, Jonathan is one of the country’s most respected turret clockmakers. In addition to keeping hundreds of public clocks to time, Jon helps to coach an…

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Potts of Leeds Return to Work

June 17, 2020 News, Uncategorized

We are delighted to confirm that our Leeds based clockmaker, Kevin Ireland, returns to work today. Kevin will be strengthening our presence across the country as we return to work – restarting public time in communities across Yorkshire and the North of England.    With more than 30 years’ experience with the company, Kevin’s return brings extensive experience and knowledge, underlying our commitment to restarting public time across the North. Having an extensive knowledge of ‘Potts of Leeds’ clocks, of which there are literally hundreds of mechanical timepieces across the North of England, Kevin will be sure to start public time…

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Smith of Derby

December 19, 2019 Uncategorized

Smith of Derby would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We would like to thank everyone for their custom during another successful year and look forward to working with you in 2020! The works will be closing on Friday 21st of December and re-opening on Wednesday 2nd of January at 8am. However, should you require any assistance during the Christmas break, please email service@smithofderby.com with both contact details and some information regarding the problem. We will then contact you as soon as possible.

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New Clock and Wind Vane for a Famous Nottingham Building

October 10, 2019 Uncategorized

Smith of Derby were recently commissioned to supply and install a bespoke clock for the development of a famous 19th century building in Nottingham. The new clock was complimented by a new wind vane, with traditional cardinals, adding the finishing touches to a significant development within the City. The City Building, situated in the heart of Nottingham, is steeped in history and has been home to many famous Nottingham enterprises, including Redmayne & Todd sports shop. In the spring of 2019 work started to convert the building into ‘Grade A’ offices, with a view to them being in use before…

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Bespoke Clock and Signage for Funeral Directors

September 19, 2019 Uncategorized

R W Percival Funeral Directors in Buxton, Derbyshire, had new premises developed recently, with a Smith of Derby clock being a focal point of the exterior design. Complementing the clock is bespoke company branding and signage, all of which was supplied by ourselves. The bespoke 1.5m clock is made up of twelve separate chapters, all of which are individually fixed into the exterior of the building. At the centre of the dial is a pair of modern looking hands, laser cut from high-grade aluminium with a powder coat silver paint finish. The clock hands are driven by a heavy duty…

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St Peters Church Clock in the Isle of Man

August 29, 2019 Uncategorized

Originally built in 1550, St Peter’s Church in Peel, Isle of Man, is steeped in history. Unfortunately, over the years of the Church standing the condition of the clock dials have deteriorated, meaning that they were in need of replacement. Smith of Derby clockmakers worked closely with Peel Town Council to ensure that this work was completed bringing the clock tower back to life.  The Church has had an eventful history, with a large fire ruining large parts of the Church in 1958. However, the clocktower and outer walls continue to stand to this day. Four new 1.1m skeleton clock…

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