The finished clock tower echoes the form of a medieval
cathedral, standing just over ten metres high. It marks the passing
of time but is also a summary of the best and worst of the
twentieth century. The intricately animated construction comprises
four sections: The Crypt, The Nave, The Belfry and The Spire. Each
has its own stories to tell and secrets to reveal.
Unlocking the secrets of the clock
The Crypt at the base of the tower houses a bewildering
combination of wheels and chains. Two figures are at the heart of
this section: an oak figure of an Ancient Spirit and the colourful,
mischievous Egyptian Monkey, now a favourite with children.
The Nave holds a pendulum with a skeletal death figure
straddling a convex mirror. Distorted figures of Lenin, Hitler and
Stalin act as a reminder of the worst aspects of the twentieth
century. But there is celebration of better times, too, with a
playground of animated characters, including a Chaplin-like
figure.
Higher still is The Belfry, which accommodates the clock and the
Requiem, a circle of twelve figures. Each represents a calendar
month, as well as a hardship or tragedy that has afflicted
humanity, from war to famine, slavery to persecution. The clock
face is the most contemporary part of the tower with its
brightly-coloured glass panels. The precision of the clock
counteracts the chaos seen elsewhere in the tower.
Right at the top of the clock tower is The Spire, empty apart
from its bell. A figure stands at the very top, a female figure
carrying a dead man. This is the Pietà, from the Italian for
compassion and pity. It acts as a symbol for what has gone before
and the strength we need to move forward.
How have people reacted to the clock tower since its
arrival?
Rose Watban, Senior Curator of Applied Art and Design,
understands it’s a provocative piece.
We’ve had people who object to it, saying it’s not the sort of
thing to show, that it’s too depressing. I don’t feel it’s harking
back to awful things in the past, but rather acknowledging them and
looking forward to a brighter future.
Others love it, with crowds gathering to see it in motion. The
moment the wonderful music starts playing, people are drawn across
to the clock and most are delighted by it.