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Thursday 10 June 2010

Men at Work # 23 - The Clock Repairers

The Foundling Museum has an incredible collection of old clocks, some dating back to the 1700's. Clocks like these require the skills of some pretty special people to maintain and repair them. These experts are from West Dean with decades of experience between them.

The clock being taken apart here is an 1850's mahogany table clock with a silver dial signed by J R Losada of Regent St. (Clocks of this era would usually have the name of the retailer on them).
It needed a fine tune to ensure its strike was regular and perfect. Dust and heat can cause problems. However this one should be fine for several more years after being put back together.

13 comments:

Angie said...

Mo, you do get into some interesting places! Of now to look at Foundling Museum, thanks.

Stefan Jansson said...

Must be interesting do see these professionals at work.

Mo said...

Angie, I intend to do a post on the Foundling Museum in the next few days. A very interesting place.

Unknown said...

I have to admit, this is very very cool. There's something about clock makers and clock repair-men that make you feel like you're back in time a bit...

Luis Gomez said...

Beautiful shot. Lovely.

B SQUARED said...

That has to be a vanishing skill.

Karine said...

What a fascinating job to have! I imagine you need to have very nimble fingers!

lewi14@gmail.com said...

Cool. It is a job which I have to honour in our fast time.

Anonymous said...

another
beautiful image

this one has vermeer-like lighting(!)

× × ×

/t.

Anonymous said...

The fundamental things apply
As time goes by.

stromsjo said...

Most encouraging to see these skills being practiced in this day and age.

Somehow reminds me of a quote by the late William Conrad ...

- Listen creep, I'm gonna to take you apart like a clock!

(Pilot episode theme for "Jake and the Fatman" here.)

Anonymous said...

I love old clocks. i don't know why but i have an odd fascination with them.

Gunn said...

You really get to see sooooo many different things!
Your blog is beautiful, and I hope you will publish a book......
Have a nice weekend!

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