The importance of Mechanical Clocks
as Cultural Heritage


Because clocks are not ‘static’ objects (they ‘move’), they hold a special position among the objects that are considered to be our cultural heritage.
They demonstrate the 'Technological thought' of Western society; one of the important characteristics of our culture.
For this reason it is essential that not only the ‘material’ (the mechanisms) be conserved, but also the intangible ‘function’ of the clock. The ‘technical thought’ can only be viewed with the eye and ‘understood’ with the senses if the collective work of the clock’s various components is in motion. If this is not the case, the clock becomes a fossil.
Luckily, responsible public institutions such as the National Trust and Museums, as well as private foundations such as the Stichting tot behoud van het Torenuurwerk (Foundation for Conservation of Tower Clocks) in the Netherlands and the Antiquarian Horological Society in England are engaged to save old turret clocks from destruction.
Their efforts ensure that clocks are restored and maintained so that they can continue to work at their original site or, if this is not possible, in a conditioned exposition area elsewhere.
But still there are many turret clocks dangerously situated in draughty attics that are only visited by flies, birds and bats!
There are many reasons why clocks should continue to work, preferably at their original location. Experience has shown that most movements that are no longer running eventually are neglected. They deteriorate and parts are lost. All components are needed for a clock to function properly. That equally allows ensuring that no parts disappear without notice.A forgotten aspect is that turret clocks are an essential part of the historical setting for which they were made. By removing the clock movement, the coherence is lost and the ‘casing’ is empty!
For many beautiful turret clocks that are now on display in museums or in homes, the origin is no longer known. This is one reason why the remaining clocks must be protected and, if possible, be left to run where they belong.
In practice, this means that the direct environment of the clock should be improved in order to prevent damage. Here, too, however, the remedy must never do more harm, than the problem itself. Protective measures need to be taken in such a manner that the situation in which and the conditions under which the clock served trough the ages remain visible.