Face of the future: Museum clock fitted with automatic winding system

COMMANDING VIEW: The refurbished clock on the south tower of Hull’s Maritime Museum

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

The clock that has adorned Hull Maritime Museum for more than 150 years is working again after being extensively cleaned and fitted with a new automatic winding system.

The clock, on the south-facing tower, had been wound by hand every seven days for the last 150 years but will now wind itself after work by specialist clockmakers Smith of Derby, who also worked on the Guildhall’s new Time Ball.

The clock, which is original to the building, was made by Cooke & Son in Hull in 1871 and reconstructed by G.F. Newey in York in 1918.

Its upgrade is part of the multi-million-pound refurbishment of the Grade II* musuem, which is being carried out by building contractors Simpson of York.

The museum is being restored as a key part of the Hull Maritime project, which is funded by Hull City Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund and will see the transformation of the city’s maritime treasures, including the refurbishment of Dock Office Chambers, the creation of a new visitor attraction at North End Shipyard and the restoration of two ships, Arctic Corsair and Spurn Lightship.

PRECISION INSTRUMENT: Clock technician Kevin Ireland at work on the historic timepiece

Gillian Osgerby, the council’s programme director for Hull Maritime, said: “It’s great see the clock get a new lease of life, thanks to National Lottery players.

“The clock is a recognised focal point of the exterior of the building and this new modern feature will ensure it keeps accurate time for residents and visitors.

“For 150 years, the clock on the old Dock Offices has kept time for the city, overlooking the historic Princes Dock where ships came and went through Hull’s Town Dock system.”