British clockmaker From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Smith of Derby Group is a clockmaker based in Derby, England founded in 1856. Smith of Derby has been operated continuously under five generations of the Smith family.[1]
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John Smith (1813-1886), clockmaker and the original founder of today's Smith of Derby Group
John Smith (21 December 1813 - 1886)[2] became an apprentice to John Whitehurst in 1827. He went on to be the founder of a new clockmaking company in 1856, first establishing his business in premises at 27 Queen Street in Derby.[3]
John Smith's new company flourished during the industrial revolution. When he died in 1886, his two sons, Frank and John took over the running of the family business. Under Frank Smith, the company were responsible for building the huge turret clock for St Paul's Cathedral in 1893.[citation needed]
Frank Smith died in 1913, and the company was run by staff until his son Alan was old enough to take over the running of the business. Alan Smith was succeeded by Howard Smith, who in turn, was succeeded by Nicholas Smith.
During the 20th century, Smith and Sons expanded through the acquisition of a variety of businesses. Clockmakers William Potts & Sons, Leeds were established in 1833 and acquired by Smith of Derby in 1933; JB Joyce & Co of Whitchurch were responsible for many clocks internationally and were acquired by Smith of Derby in 1965;[citation needed]George & Francis Cope were established in 1845 as producers of chronometers for the Admiralty, and joined Smith of Derby in 1984.[citation needed] In 1985 they acquired B & H (Derby) Ltd and became the current Smith of Derby Group.
In 2013, the company acquired the historical Scottish clockmaker James Ritchie & Son but continue to operate the firm as a subsidiary.[4]
Guinness World Records: The world's largest steam clock is on the North Quay at St Helier, Jersey.
The world's largest solar-powered clock is called 'The Beacon' and is installed as a feature clock at the University of Baghdad.[7]
The world's largest inclined clock is at Time Square in Al-Ain, UAE.[8]
The world's highest building mounted clock above street level is 170 metres above street level and is mounted on top of Boeing's Headquarters in Chicago.[9]
The world's largest mechanical tower clock is also the Harmony Tower in Ganzhou, China.[10]
The world's most remote public clock is owned by the Queen of Tonga.[11]
In addition to these clock installations, Smith of Derby also manufactures some of the world's most expensive Islamic Prayer Clocks.[12] The Prayer Clocks are customisable and can be designed to include precious metals and gems.[13]
The rotating globe kinetic sculptural installation at the Coliseum Theatre in London manufactured by Smith of Derby
Craven, Maxwell (1996). John Whitehurst of Derby: Clockmaker and Scientist 1713-88. Derbyshire: Ashbourne. ISBN0-9523270-3-1.
Craven, Maxwell (2011). The Smiths of Derby: A Journey Through Time. Derbyshire. ISBN978-0-9570846-0-5.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)