About Me
About The Clock Works
Established in Ulverston in 1991 The Clock Works has built up an enviable reputation for quality of workmanship and depth of knowledge regarding all aspects of antique clocks.
David Burns MBCMG, has held a lifelong passion on the subject of Horology honing his skills over several decades. An acknowledged authority on longcase clocks, particularly those made in the Lake District, by makers now recognised as some of the finest in the country. David has had the privilege to restore many examples by these craftsmen over the years.
Almost any part can be made in his extensively equipped workshop to sympathetically restore any antique clock back into the condition its maker intended.
An elected member of British Watch and Clockmakers Guild (BWCMG) for several decades clients include, alongside private individuals, Network Rail, Borough and Town Councils and Church Authorities.
History of clockmaking in Cumbria and it’s famous makers
In thousands of homes in Cumbria and beyond the longcase or grandfather clock as it became known was always one of the most treasured family possessions. Many were made within the county by the craftsmen in the many towns and villages.
Cumbria’s most famous being George Graham from Kirklinton Cumberland apprenticed to father of English clockmaking Thomas Tompion in London. Graham assisted John Harrison to succeed in his quest to make a timekeeper suitable for taking to sea for the determination of longitude.
Closer to home, from the earliest years of the 18th century we have the Wigton school of clockmakers names such as the Sills, Hendrie, Sanderson, Ismay, Wilkinson to name a few. In Penrith we had Porthouses father and son and the Loughs. In Kendal there were the Washingtons, Wilson’s, Burtons, Newbys and Strickland to name a few.
Down in the south Lakes mention has to be made of the Barbers of Winster. Initially working from Bowland Bridge Barber senior commenced work around 1700. His son Jonas junior largely took over by 1749 interestingly numbering his clocks until his death in 1802. This business was taken over by his previous apprentice Henry Philipson later moving to Ulverston where he competed with the numerous other clockmakers already working in the town.
A few miles away William Shepard was working in Millom and of course the Bellman’s of Broughton. And many more too numerous to mention here though no less important. There are always several examples of fully restored longcase clocks by some these makers for sale in the shop.
