Telling the story of time through family. This cryptic outdoor timepiece alludes to both maritime time-telling and to the story of the Burghley family, in whose gardens the timepiece is located. The hourglass – with no moving parts and in a form that is unaffected by the rolling of the waves – is a traditional shape for a maritime timepiece. The sculpture makes reference to the family tradition for seafaring and navigation through the 12 icons which correspond with each passing hour. Only on the hour is the full icon revealed, as it waxes and wanes in between times. The legend on the side displays each icon in the order of the hours to which they refer. The passing hour is also conveyed through the rotating hour-glass, the pouring sand and curious movement becoming at once engaging, delightful and distracting... a puzzle in time.

Lord Burghley

The inspiration for this unique timepiece is both the seafaring traditions of the Burghley family and maritime timekeeping itself. Telling the story of time through family, the twelve icons featured on this unique timepiece correlate with specific stories relating to members of the Burghley family. Lord Burghley was an English statesman, a chief adviser and good friend of Queen Elizabeth 1, for most of her reign.

Burghley House

Hourglass Clock

Dimensions

Height 1.95 metres
Footprint 800mm2

Features

Timed hourglass, 180° rotation
Hour icons visible through magnifying glass
Copper case cladding with natural verdigris finish
Stainless steel mechanism
Precision movement
Accuracy greater than 1/100th sec, with power failure back-up
Waterproof and season protected for exterior use

Position

Centrepiece of a parterre in the gardens of Burghley House

To request all six case studies in a beautifully produced pack, please email:
hotel@storythroughtime.com

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