Barry Share started Riversdale Clocks a repair and restoration business at Newport in the East Riding of Yorkshire in 1985 and went into semi-retirement in 2012.
Barry was probably one of the last remaining professional full-time clock case makers in East Yorkshire making bespoke longcase clocks, encasing new and old movements. Over the years he built up a reputation of high quality and honesty thus creating total satisfaction and respect from all of his customers and fellow craftsmen in the industry.
Now no longer taking on any more clock repairs or restoration Barry is still actively involved with the Riversdale website, passing on the skills and knowledge he acquired over the many years of repairing and restoring antique longcase clocks, barometers and specialising in the making of the finest bespoke clock cases.
All the work done at Riversdale was done by hand, using traditional methods and techniques in the traditional manner used by generations of case makers and restorers, this is the knowledge and history Barry is passionate about passing on to other horologists and woodworkers in an attempt to keep another old trade from fading into the mists of time.
Making sure as many old clocks and barometers as possible are restored to their original period, style and condition.
Some of the numerous parts, frets, turnings and mouldings made in the process of restoring and repairing antique clock cases at Riversdale
From the very start-up of Riversdale Clocks Barry and his team of qualified craftsmen worked on hundreds of clock cases, from early eighteenth-century oak cases with square brass dials, too late-nineteenth-century mahogany cases with painted break arch dials.
Through the many years, they have repaired bases that have been damaged and full of rot, doors that have become twisted and cupped, and hoods that have been cut down to accommodate low ceilings…
They have replaced veneers and stringing damaged and lost over many years of neglect, as well as correctly restoring cases that have been badly repaired or butchered by the not so reputable dealers and inexperienced restorers.
All through this period, Barry has acquired a wealth of knowledge on case construction and their makers, which has enabled him to offer tips and advice on these unique skills of making a clock case to other enthusiasts and restorers in the form of articles, books and courses.
Some of the cases made to house restored antique movements & dials.
