Haunting horology
Tower clock
John Ross (Dates unknown)
Tain, Scotland, circa 1770
iron frame, wooden barrels, glass case
Purchased with funds provided by the Charles Edgar Disney Art Trust , 1986, 1990.112, H432
This clock movement may originally have been fitted in a church or large country house.
Before November 1840, cities, towns and houses would independently set their town clock by measuring the position of the sun, but every place would be on a slightly different time.
This time was signaled to residents by elevated clocks in towers, visible and audible from a long distance away.
With the rapid development of railway networks a standardised time was required for all of England, Scotland and Wales. Local time systems were then abolished, forcing uniform time on the entire country.
I took this photo before the main gallery lights were switched on. It's lovely walking through here early mornings with just the glow of the light over the clock.
Haunting horology
Tower clock
John Ross (Dates unknown)
Tain, Scotland, circa 1770
iron frame, wooden barrels, glass case
Purchased with funds provided by the Charles Edgar Disney Art Trust , 1986, 1990.112, H432
This clock movement may originally have been fitted in a church or large country house.
Before November 1840, cities, towns and houses would independently set their town clock by measuring the position of the sun, but every place would be on a slightly different time.
This time was signaled to residents by elevated clocks in towers, visible and audible from a long distance away.
With the rapid development of railway networks a standardised time was required for all of England, Scotland and Wales. Local time systems were then abolished, forcing uniform time on the entire country.
I took this photo before the main gallery lights were switched on. It's lovely walking through here early mornings with just the glow of the light over the clock.