Work carried out for the Auckland Museum, these are probably the best ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos I will ever take.  The clock was in a terrible state covered in dirt, missing brass inlay which was also tangled and torn.  This was a major project and involved stabilising what was there and recreating the missing pieces as shown in the photos. Most satisfying was washing the 24 carat gold ormolu which – unlike the carcase of the clock – was in outstanding condition after 300 years.  I felt like Howard Carter as the rich perfect gold was revealed with gentle cleaning.

 

The clock has been on display at the Auckland Museum on the mezzanine as part of the Mackelvie collection for 25 years.