Maker, Peter Holtby, Hampshire, England. Model - Millenium, 2000. Designer, Jeanne Balley, Australia. Six knopped pillars, blued screws throughout, thick frame plates 3/16" (50mm), all plates hand cut and pierced. Unique custom spoke crossing design. The base section below the movement houses a re-built 18th century music train with 12 bells, 19 hammers playing six tunes in sequence on the hour, eight day duration. Overall 12"w x 28"h x 8"d, movement only 10"w x 21.5"h x 5.5"d.

Click on each picture to go to more details

Peter Holtby has often been described as a Master Clockmaker. He is a member of the British Horological Institute and Qualified in Antiquarian Horology at West Dean College. For over 25 years he has been developing his skills in the art of designing and producing individual, hand made, Skeleton Clocks in the traditional style. The Millennium Clock, featured here is considered to be one of his finest achievements.

The dome and Moroccan Thuja burl wood base are antique. This large clock weighs in at over 40 lb. (18 kg) It's design is roughly based on St. Paul's Cathedral and consists of a two train, eight day duration, chain fusee movement. Full striking on the hour on a bell via a rack and snail system. About one minute after the bell strike the eight day duration, chain fusee music box is activated to play one of six melodies. Each hour a new melody is played. This results in all six melodies being fully sequenced in a 24 hour period. The sequence can be changed by a release/let off of the music facility. It can also be turned off so only the bell is struck on the hour. The melodies identified are 'God Save the Queen', 'No Place Like Home', 'Rule Britannia' and three unknown tunes thought to be Scottish airs.

An article in the June 2001 issue of Clocks Magazine, describes in more depth the construction of this clock and further information on Peter Holtby. Mr. Holtby may be contacted through his web site located on the LINKS page of this site.