October 1 2024

An obsolete naval time signalling device hanging from the 32m tall Nelson Monument in Edinburgh is to mark the passage of time once more with restoration work underway.

Civil and structural engineering firm Will Rudd has been handed the keys to one of the few remaining time balls left in the UK, charged with bringing it back to a usable condition using traditional techniques and materials wherever possible.

MJ O’Shaugnessy managing director of Will Rudd Glasgow, commented: “From a conservation engineering perspective, the primary objective was to ensure that any interventions to the building’s fabric were both appropriate and feasible, given the monument’s historical significance and its prominence in a heavily trafficked public space.

“The restoration of the timeball, in particular, requires delicate and expert craftsmanship, to be carried out in a safe, controlled workshop environment. The repairs will focus on preserving the spirit of the original time ball by using matching materials and techniques where possible while placing a renewed emphasis on durability."

Built in 1815 to designs by Robert Burn the monument was initially conceived as a tribute to vice admiral Horatio Nelson, only later acquiring its timekeeping utility when a time ball was added in the 1850s by astronomer royal, professor Charles Piazzi Smyth.

Museums and Galleries Edinburgh hope to reopen the monument later this year.

2 Comments

#1 Posted by Lovely on 1 Oct 2024 at 08:36 AM

Sounds very nice.

#2 Posted by KB on 1 Oct 2024 at 09:19 AM

Fantastic news. So glad there are like-minded people still out there protecting our heritage.

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