Outreach for Clocktime The Museum of Timekeeping (MoT) hosted a fun Festival of Horology on Sunday October 26 2025, where the public visitors were invited to bring along clocks for repair and evaluation by horological volunteers. The Clocktime team enjoyed seeing a range of clocks which were assessed by Horological Journal Editor Justin Koullapis and Museum Conservation Group Team Leader, Stella Haward FBHI. The workshops buzzed as the BHI Clock Force students gallantly repaired single train clocks in quick succession. In many instances, the intrigued clock owners watched as their treasures came back to life! Our dynamic curator, Dr Kristin Leith, gave a lively interactive presentation about Great British Clockmaking. She tailored her talk to the Upton Hall audience who were able to enjoy the splendid displays in the MoT’s physical museum. It was exciting to see so many guests from the Netherlands, who thoroughly enjoyed Kristin’s exploration of British clockmakers from the golden age of horology. This was explained through a guided tour of the Clocktime Digital Museum’s website. The master craftsman, watchmaker and English-speaking YouTube broadcaster Kalle Slaap recently published his highly innovative book, Watchmaking Explained. The publication is a modern guide for watch enthusiasts, makers and professionals and includes numerous QR codes taking the reader to explanatory videos hosted by the author. Gary Williams MIET, Chairman of the BHI, says in the book’s foreword, “Horology has a long and distinguished history, standing for centuries at the cutting edge of science and technology. Yet, as time moves forward, skilled horological repairers and restorers are becoming increasingly rare. Rarer still are those who can convey this complex craft in a clear and accessible way. Kalle Slaap is one of those rare talents – combining world-class technical expertise with exceptional teaching ability. “Since 1858, the British Horological Institute has been dedicated to training horologists, and we are confident in endorsing this book and the invaluable work of Kalle and his team.” Well said BHI Chairman! Thanks must go to you, fellow directors and colleagues for making the Clocktime team so welcome at Upton Hall!
