If you are going to dismantle an Emett for restoration what better than a series of photographs of the machine in its component parts in Emett's workshop?
In mid-February we will be carefully taking the clock apart and recording everything so that it can be re-assembled correctly at Millenium Point in Birmingham and then back at the Victoria Centre in Nottingham. That task will be greatly assisted by a series of photographs taken in the Blacksmith's Forge at Streat where Emett built all of his machines. The first photograph shows the Sunflower assembly, about the largest single piece that his workshop was big enough to accommodate. These colour photographs will also be of great assistance in returning the clock to its original colour scheme.
Many of the bright metal parts on the clock are now in need of attention. The Bouquet in the centre has lost its lustre but will be returned to its original sparkling condition as Emett intended.
The main structure was originally a muted green colour. During restoration we hope to find parts of the original paint finish for colour matching.
The Cobweb Waterwheel has suffered due to constant exposure to water. This will be carefully taken back to the metal and given a waterproof treatment that will help it to survive another 40 years.
The Radial Arms below the clock were originally a gold colour. Here they can be seen on the lawn outside the workshop where large machine parts could be displayed to clients as work progressed. When the owners of the Victoria Centre went to see work in progress Emett had the machine laid out in 25 separate parts. They had to imagine how it would look when assembled - as did Emett!
The Sunflower Stage where the orchestra revolve and dance has a brass cover plate in need of attention. This is the structure supporting the Sunflower.
As restoration work progresses we too will be keeping a photographic record.
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