Issue 38 Summer web 23 - Flipbook - Page 83
All the counterweights for the jacks have been de-rusted
and stabilised, and new stainless-steel rods have been
installed to operate the jacks. The bells have been turned
by a quarter-turn to prevent excessive wear when struck
by the poleaxes.
The freshly restored 15th century clockface is now set to
tell the time for many years to come, thanks to expert
collaboration and sensitive restoration. Jackie Croft, Chief
Operating Officer and Chapter Clark, said that Chapter
(the Cathedral’s governing body) is thrilled with the
results:
“The Exterior Clock of Wells Cathedral draws visitors from
near and far; and its bells, struck by the jacks on the quarterhour, mean that everyone in the vicinity of the Cathedral is in
no doubt of the time of day! The repair and restoration of this
iconic clock has been a long-held aspiration of the Chapter and
it is very grateful for the generous donations from the Dickinson
Family Charitable Trust, The Worshipful Company of Clock
Makers, plus others. The work is a wonderful example of
skilled heritage craftspeople coming together to deliver the
project and ensures that the clock will be seen and heard by
generations to come.”
Above, before conservation. Copyright Cliveden Conservation
Above, during cleaning of the dial. Image copyright Cliveden
Conservation
Above, during redecoration, Image copyright Cliveden Conservation
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