FdA Clocks: First year clockmaking project

Posted on 16th August 2024

By F oundation degree Arts student, Yu Hsuan Chang,who specialises in clocks.

I am currently in my first year, studying for a Foundation Degree Arts in Clocks. I previously completed a MA Conservation Studies, specialising in metals, from West Dean College. I have always been fascinated by the moving parts and mechanisms of dynamic metal objects, and therefore I decided to continue my studies in horology to acquire more knowledge of clockmaking and practice hands-on clock conservation skills.

I have always been intrigued by beautifully painted old clock dials. Many with painted moon faces were produced in the 19th century. Each moon face has its own character, some funny and some rather serious. None of them are the same. The theme depicted between the two moons also shows the history and popular subjects at the time, from either the countryside view to the seascape with the ship.

Did you face any unexpected challenges during the construction of the clock? How did you overcome them?

Since each clock component was made separately, I encountered the challenge that the extra part of the clock added as a new feature did not match my original design due to the miscalculation of dimensions. It is important to discuss with tutors and consider different options for solving the problem. Sometimes, making a new part is necessary to aim for precision; otherwise, the clock would not run.

What were some of the key design elements you wanted to incorporate and why?

In my clock design, I incorporated four tulip pillars, which can be seen in the 17th-century clock from Joseph Knibb, a silvered skeletonised chapter ring, a sunburst pattern engraving, which is often found on early 17th-century European clocks, four sand-cast spandrels in brass, heart-shape hour and minute hands, which are often seen in the clocks of Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy from the 19th century, a heart-shape backcock, and a moon face disc. The design satisfies my desire to approach historical clockmaking techniques and appreciate the delicate works produced by old masters.

Precision is prioritised in this project, as the goal is to learn how a clock works and how to fabricate each component. However, the more complex pieces that are added later on in the final stage, the more likely the clock will need increased modification to keep on time. Therefore, good time management and constant testing are necessary to allow more buffering time for adjustment.

As a student who has been studying at West Dean College for three years, I decided to add a painting of the college building and its beautiful landscape to the front of the moon disc, situated between two moons, to create a moon face clock unique to West Dean College and myself. I believe it will be a lovely souvenir to recall all the good memories of studying here each time I see the clock.