Meet the team - Dr Laura Young Since its inception, The Clocktime initiative has been directed by Laura Young, who has a key role in the digital museum’s vision and strategy. Laura has a unique insight into the museums sector, having started her career 30 years ago at the Science Museum, London. She has been a Trustee of National Musuems Scotland since 2018. As an active member of the Heritage Crafts Association, she has a particular interest in how creating by hand contributes to positive health and a sense of wellbeing. When not busy supporting others in their careers through both her executive coaching practice and overseer of all things relating to the Clocktime digital museum, she loves to sew, knit and crochet. Laura is a Guild Fellow at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge and received an Honorary Doctorate from Queen Margaret University in 2015. In 2016 she was awarded an MBE in recognition of her services to children with health conditions, having co-founded Teapot Trust SCIO in 2010 with her husband, author John Young. The makers’ event in March 2024 at the Royal Academy of Engineering, London focused on the Science & Art of Making Time. Moderated by Professor Tim Minshall, the lecture involved Stewart Huxley and Dr Rebecca Struthers FBHI discussing the processes of manufacturing clocks and watches. If you didn’t attend the live event, you can find the video here. We’re grateful to those of you who attended this informative talk, designed to provoke a discussion about the future of clock and watch making in the UK. We are acutely aware that clockmaking is on the Red List of Endangered Crafts, drawn up by the Heritage Crafts Association (HCA). This is why it’s crucial to keep interest alive, with inspiration and education of future clock and watchmakers being a key starting point.
