Issue 38 Summer web 23 - Flipbook - Page 82
Wells’ famous medieval
clock restored and ready
to spring forward
Wells Cathedral’s famous external clockface on the North Transept, which was feared to be
irreparable if left in its current state, has been repaired and restored with a programme of work
carried out by Cliveden Conservation and other heritage specialists.
Since its fabrication in c. 1475, the clock has undergone
many phases of redecoration and repair. With further
deterioration becoming more apparent specialist conservators were contracted at the end of 2022 to carry out
crucial repair work to preserve as much as possible of the
historic painted layers and fabric of the clock.
Cleaning, consolidation, repair, replacement, and
refinishing of each element of the clock has now been
completed and the scaffold removed. Cliveden Conservation worked in collaboration with the Chapter of the
Cathedral, Cathedral Architect, Nick Cox, the Cathedral
Fabric Commission for England (CFCE), and Historic
England throughout the process.
The new decorative scheme, prepared by Nick Cox, and
approved by the Chapter, CFCE and statutory consultees
is based on the original to replace the mid-twentieth century interpretation. This was partially informed by samples
taken during extensive paint analysis to establish the
many historic decorative schemes; the most recent was
carried out in 1959.
Large amounts of rare historic paint which was discovered
during the cleaning process has been consolidated and
protected. Irreparable stonework has been successfully
replaced with newly cut stone including the creation of
crenelated tops to the pedestals and the pendant hanging
beneath the jack.
During works, the clock motion behind the dial was
removed to be restored by Timsbury Clocks and the
timber jacks were transported to Swan Farm Studio for
repair and repainting. The bells were cleaned of corrosion
by Matthew Higby and Company.
Below, samples for agreement on colour.
Image copyright Cliveden Conservation
