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1961, Blackboy Clock inspected for restoration
Event
- has description | a une description
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Stroud News and Journal gave the following summary of the inspection:
"One morning last week, Mr. T. R. Robinson of Bristol, technical editor to the “Horological Journal”, motored to Stroud especially to see the mechanism which operates the well-known “Black Boy” clock which has for so long been a feature of the Castle Street Girls School building.
Through the good offices of the headmistress (Miss Peacock), he was taken up into the attic room (together with a “News and Journal” reporter and photographer) and was shown the surprisingly small piece of a mechanism which, when correctly adjusted, operates the clock and the little figure which strikes the bell above it. He was delighted with what he saw, describing it as a “baby turret clock of the birdcage frame type; a slightly enlarged version of a grandfather clock. A weight driven typical clock of its period; very nicely made”
Mr. Robinson was then told by Miss Peacock some facts about the history of the Black Boy clock since it was made by one, John Miles, a Stroud watchmaker in 1774 (the date is clearly to be seen on the mechanism.)
[...]
Mr. Robinson thinks the figure needs but little expert attention to again be set to work. Indeed, he said he was quite prepared to do the job himself, as soon as opportunity serves and permission is given.
“Not many towns have the distinction of these little ‘jack’ figures,” he said. “I would love to see the dial restored in blue and gold, the little figure made quite right and painted in bright colours.”
“I think he would be quite an asset to the town and attract the attention of the public in general and of tourists.”
“People like these jack clocks, they always attract. The two on St. Dunstan’s, in Fleet St., always attract a small crowd when they strike the bell.”
Mr. Robinson went on, “People travel quite a distance to see these jack clocks at work and I think Stroud will be missing a great opportunity if we don’t get this one put into really first-class order.”
[...]
“There is nothing seriously wrong with it mechanically. It is in beautiful condition. If the dirt was removed and the little figure put in order it would be an absolutely first-class job and a jolly good time-keeper, too.”"
- took place at | a eu lieu dans
- Stroud
- took place on or within | a eu lieu le ou dans l'intervalle de temps
- April 1961
- is referred to by | est référencé par
- 'OFFER TO RESTORE THE BLACK BOY', Stroud News and Journal, 28 April 1961