David Provan from Christchurch New Zealand has kindly sent me pictures of his latest clock project he has just finished.

It’s a reproduction of a Danish Bornholm Longcase  

You may already know, but for those of you that don’t, the story of clock making in Bornholm is quite interesting.

The Bornholm clocks are of a unique style in the form of a tall wooden box. They were pendulum driven and made in Bornholm from 1745 to 1900.

Apparently an English ship, some say Dutch, but whatever the case may be, no pun intended, was wrecked on the coast north of Rønne in the early1740s.

Among the salvaged goods was a chest with five English grandfather clocks.

These were sent for repair to a turner named Poul Ottesen Arboe and as a result of his repairs on them he learned enough about clocks to become a skilful clock maker and began to make his own.

I understand the demand for Bornholm clocks has been falling in recent years, and the oldest Bornholmerur (Grandfather clock) is over 250 years old.

David informs me his wife’s ancestors come from the little Danish island of Bornholm, and he decided to replicate a Bornholmerur longcase clock for her, developing plans from photos.

He has made the case in locally grown Pinus Radiata, as he couldn’t find any source for Baltic Pine locally.  He had to have some mouldings specially machined, which was done quite cheaply, but most of the mouldings are standard.

David couldn’t find an 18th century movement so he has used a Hermle movement and adapted the chime.  He said he also cheated by using a salvaged Hermle bezel and foot decoration instead of the wooden carvings that should be fitted but he intends to amend this at a later date. 

As you can see the case has been finished in the traditional Bornholmer way by being painted and I’m sure you will join me in congratulating David on a job well done.

You can learn more about the history of the Bornholmer clocks At Bornholms Museum (www.bornholmsmuseum.dk). There are baroque clocks from the 1700’s male, maiden and hussif clocks from the 1800’s, a clockmaker’s workshop and much more in this unique clock section.

Petersens, in Bornholm, make really splendid reproductions of both case and movement.  You’ll find them at www.bornholmerure.dk. 

If you have any comments or would like to tell us about your current clock making project we would love to hear from you.

Your feedback will be much appreciated.