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Sheerness ClocktowerRestoration
Project Overview
The Sheerness Clocktower Restoration highlights the art of clockmaking and restoration. From assessment and planning to fabrication and finishing, every step has preserved the clock’s historic integrity. As clockmaking experts, we’ve restored this landmark to its former glory, ensuring it remains a symbol of craftsmanship for generations.
Built in 1902, the historic Sheerness Coronation Memorial Clock has served the community for over a century but suffered corrosion and damage from decades of exposure. Swale Borough Council sought a full restoration and awarded Smith of Derby the contract in Spring 2021. The following outlines the comprehensive Sheerness Clocktower Restoration – a Historic Clock Tower Conservation project.
Historical Context
A collaborative effort, the tower and clock were originally made with the expertise of Walter McFarlane & Co., John Taylor & Co., and Smith of Derby
Disassembly & Cleaning
We meticulously disassembled the clock tower, documenting each step and thoroughly cleaning and preparing each component for restoration.
Exposure To The Elements
The clock tower, exposed to the elements and years of harsh weather, had suffered significant water damage and structural decay.
Fabrication & Repair
Restoring the tower involved re-welding existing components, recasting missing parts, and replacing previous repairs with durable materials.
Assessment & Planning
A detailed restoration plan focusing on addressing metalwork corrosion, structural damage and preserving the clock tower's heritage.
Finishing & Gilding
The final stage of restoration, with considerations made to aesthetics, durability of materials, and historical accuracy.
Historical Context
Built in 1902, the Sheerness Coronation Memorial Clock has stood tall on Sheerness High Street for over a Century
Following Queen Victoria's death in 1901, towns across Britain sought ways to commemorate the upcoming coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra
While fleeting celebrations like tea parties and bonfires were considered, Sheerness District Council opted for a more permanent symbol – a public clock tower. This decision reflected a growing sentiment for a lasting monument that served a practical purpose while embodying the town’s spirit.
The construction of the clock tower was a collaborative effort. The council’s allocated funds were combined with the expertise of Walter McFarlane & Co., who cast the imposing 8-ton iron structure. John Taylor & Co., renowned for crafting the bell for St. Paul’s Cathedral, contributed a sizeable bell that would resonate through the town. Smith of Derby, renowned clockmakers, provided the internal mechanism that brought the timepiece to life.
If you’d like to read more about the history of the Sheerness Memorial Clock, you can do so on the Visit Swale website here.
Original Colour Restored
In the initial investigative work, there was some debate about what the original colour would have been. This was settled after a member of the Sheerness community shared a postcard with a painting showing the clock tower’s likely original colour – the postcard dating from the 1920s, only a couple of decades after the tower’s construction.
Replicating the Lanterns
While the tower’s lanterns had been removed at some point in the past, archive images depicting the clock in its early decades enabled our team to scale and replicate replacement lanterns to their original design and size.
Exposure To The Elements
More than a century of exposure to the elements left its mark on the Sheerness Clock Tower and the once vibrant paintwork gave way to a faded visage. Even the original gas lanterns, once proudly illuminating the town centre, were removed and never returned.
In early 2021 Swale Borough Council decided the time had come to address the damage to the clocktower and restore it. Smith of Derby were asked to submit a proposal and quote to the Council’s representatives and in spring of 2021 we were awarded the contract.
Rainwater had eventually entered the structure through cracks causing advanced corrosion and jeopardising the structure’s integrity
Assessment
Initial inspection: Our Complex Projects Manager Martin Butchers visited Sheerness at the invitation of Sheerness Council. There he examined the Sheerness Tower Clock; identifying areas of concern like rust on metal components, cracks in the clock face, and stiffness in the movement.
Detailed photographs and measurements were taken to build up a record of the damage to various components and provided an in-depth report as to the condition of the clock in its entirety.
Whilst externally we saw that the cast ironwork over the years had received many coats of paint, the effect of the local sea air on the corrosion of the inside of the structure was shown to be significant. Multiple cracks on all four facets above and below the dial areas were discovered, and at the upper mantle of the head various sections had broken or corroded away completely.
The structure was quite clearly in an advanced state of decay and was not far from going beyond recovery; therefore it was representing a danger to the public, with the potential for sections of the cast iron to detach from the structure.
As part of our assessment and planning we undertook research; consulting historical records to understand the original design, the materials used, and the makers involved in the original design and construction. Alongside this, similar clock towers from the period were examined, providing a comprehensive context.
Planning
Contemporary designs of the period were examined. For example, other clocks of the type and time, always had gilded rather than painted floral decoration.
Using high-definition reference photos of the clock in its current condition, a picture is established, along with measurements and notes detailing specific problems. This documentation serves as a crucial reference point throughout the restoration process.
In order to cover all angles of the process, members from different teams came together to share insights as to how the restoration could best be undertaken.
Disassembly & Cleaning
To ensure a successful Clocktower Restoration, our team meticulously disassembled the clock tower, carefully documenting each step with photographs.
Each component, from the intricate gears to the decorative elements, was meticulously labeled and safely stored for cleaning and restoration
Thorough Inspection
A thorough inspection of each component was conducted to assess the extent of damage. This included examining clock dials for cracks, inspecting gears for wear, and identifying corrosion and structural damage to decorative elements.
Deep Cleaning and Preparation
To prepare the components for the restoration, a deep cleaning process was undertaken. Most components were stripped back to bare metal to remove all traces of corrosion and create an optimal surface for the application of a marine zinc coating and protective paint.
Cleaning with Vixen Aquablast
At Smith of Derby, we’re committed to restoring historical timepieces with the utmost care. Our meticulous approach involves the use of state-of-the-art cleaning equipment, such as the Vixen Aquablast used for wet blasting.
Wet blasting is a gentle yet effective cleaning process that utilises a precise mixture of water, media, and optional cleaning agents. This method offers several advantages:
Superior Finish
The process leaves a clean and pristine finish, ideal for delicate components.
Versatile Cleaning
Aquablast can be used for a wide range of cleaning tasks, from removing rust and corrosion to stripping paint and grime.
Efficient and Precise
The water-based nature of the process allows for precise control over the cleaning intensity, ensuring minimal damage to the underlying material.
Fabrication & Repair
Our assessment revealed significant damage to the clock tower's cast-iron components, including cracks and missing sections
To address these issues, as part of the Sheerness Clocktower Restoration, we employed a meticulous approach:
- Expert Re-welding: We meticulously re-welded existing cast-iron components, restoring their structural integrity and strength.
- Authentic Recasting: Missing components were carefully recreated through the traditional method of recasting, ensuring an exact match to the original design.
- Superior Materials: We eliminated previous repairs that relied on non-structural materials like fiberglass. This ensured the clock tower’s long-term stability while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.
Finishing & Gilding
Once the clock tower components have been meticulously repaired, the final stage of restoration commenced: finishing and gilding.
This phase involved a series of meticulous steps to ensure a durable, aesthetically pleasing and historically accurate finish.
Priming and Painting:
- A high-quality primer was applied to all repaired areas and cleaned surfaces, providing a stable foundation for subsequent coats.
- A durable, weather-resistant paint system was selected to protect the clock tower from the elements.
- The colour scheme was carefully chosen to match the original appearance, drawing inspiration from historical records and photographs.
Gilding:
- Selected decorative elements were gilded with gold leaf using traditional techniques, creating a lustrous finish that will withstand many years of weathering.
Next Gen
Investing in the future of clock restoration
At Smith of Derby, we’re dedicated to preserving the art of Clocktower Restoration for generations to come. A cornerstone of this commitment is our comprehensive Clock Restoration Apprenticeship Programme, specifically designed to equip aspiring clockmakers with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in Historic Clock Tower Conservation.
In-Depth Restoration Training:
Our apprentices go beyond the fundamentals of clockmaking, receiving in-depth training on the intricacies of historical clock restoration:
- Traditional Techniques: Apprentices learn the time-honoured methods used in clock repair and restoration, ensuring they methods are used which maintain the integrity of these heritage pieces.
- Material Expertise: They develop a deep understanding of various materials used in clock construction.
- Conservation Practices: They learn best practices for clock conservation, ensuring restoration methods enhance longevity without compromising historical authenticity.
Hands-On Experience:
Our apprenticeship program isn’t just theoretical. Apprentices are integrated into ongoing restoration projects, working alongside experienced clockmakers. This allows them to:
- Apply their knowledge: They gain practical experience by working on real clocks, tackling challenges faced in actual restorations.
- Develop problem-solving skills: Apprentices learn to assess issues, devise solutions, and execute repairs with precision.
- Master clock restoration techniques: Through hands-on work, they hone their skills in cleaning, repair, and restoration to the highest standards.