Derby Stories

Smith of Derby

Whitehurst Mechanical Clock, 2009
18th-century technology informing 21st-century design and engineering.

This clock connects our time with the 18th-century age of invention, and embodies the philosophy, genius and engineering discipline of scientist and inventor John Whitehurst (1713- 1788). Built to the same exacting standards in materials, finish and design, it has a global time, world polar view in engraved crystal glass which rotates in synchronisation with the turning of the earth. The jewelled movement is hand finished, polished and gold plated. It is living proof of the uncompromising and perfectionist skills which are as much part of our city today as they were 300 years ago.

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 Restoring the 1386 Salisbury Cathedral Clock
George Fox, Blacksmith, forging a replacement 'verge' escape wheel blank for the world's oldest working clock in 1956.  Embracing the latest technology of their time, churches and cathedrals in the medieval period made the hours of the day known to the outside world through the invention of such bell chiming mechanisms. The word clock derives from cloche (French) and glocke (German), literally bell.

Restoring a copper 'skeleton' clock dial, 2010
Ian Inglis is pictured soldering the components of a traditional pattern clock for the Old Guildhall, Winchester.  As part of a major refurbishment project, the original dial was carefully dismantled to salvage as much of the historic original as possible. With computer aided design input to assist reassembly, this landmark timepiece has now reassumed its role as a centrepiece of its home city.

Building the St Pancras Station Clock, 2007
Kevin Allen welds the dial of a clock which is now looked up to by thousands of travellers a day.  Built as a faithful replica of the original Victorian timepiece, the clock blends the craft skills of pattern carving, casting, slate splitting and gilding with modern laser cutting and welding, with timekeeping accuracy provided by satellite GPS signal.