My Clocks

Design

I have several ranges of clock design which can be seen on the clock gallery page. I also work to commission and am more than happy to discuss your requirements.

I make clocks which have the traditional construction of case, dial and movement but are contemporary in their design and concept. I have developed a way of making in wood that I can use to produce strong shapes and curves, designs that would usually be associated with ceramics.

There is also a quirky humorous element to the designs because I enjoy giving the clocks an animated feel by playing with their balance and symmetry. As it is shaped, each clock starts to attain its own personality, some are reaching up on tip-toe, others can lean back lazily. The Mad Hatters Tea Party has been suggested more than once.

The dials draw from architectural details and patterns, contrasting the simplicity of the cases with intricate coloured patterns or detailed metal dials.

Technique

Each clock is hand made in solid American hardwoods such as Cherry and Maple. The feet and plumes are turned on a wood lathe and the cases are shaped using planes and steel scraper.

The dials are either marquetry, cutting small squares of different coloured wood veneers which are then assembled into a chequered pattern or made from solid brass which is punched and drilled, sometimes with riveted brass stars, before being lacquered.

Finally the clocks are finished, sometimes with a coloured water stain before a shellac sealer and several coats of beeswax.

All my clocks are individually stamped and numbered