Thanks to Pete for all his time caring for clock
HE HAS KEPT IT TICKING FOR OVER A DECADE
VOLUNTEER Pete Dexter has used his engineering expertise to keep Nottingham’s famous Emett Clock in tip-top working order for more than a decade.
The 23ft clock, formally known as The Aqua Horological Tintinnabulator, or water-powered clock, has been one of Nottingham’s most popular sight-seeing destinations since its creation by cartoonist and constructor, Rowland Emett, in 1973.
The landmark timepiece, originally on the ground floor near Boots, now stands at the opposite end of the shopping centre on the upper level. Throughout its 51-year tenure at the centre, various repairs have been made to the clock, including in 2013, when Pete noticed the internal electronics were in bad condition, and he volunteered to restore them.
When the clock was dismantled in late 2013, and taken to Birmingham for repair, the retired engineer, working closely with the Rowland Emett Society, designed and rebuilt a replacement system to drive the ornate cobweb wheel.
He also reinstated the 1724 harpsichord music by Rameau by transferring the obsolete audio cassette tape system into a Cdbased source, so that shoppers could continue to hear its distinctive chime.
Following the update, the clock made its way back to the Victoria Centre in 2015. It was relocated to the upper floor where it was unveiled by Pete’s granddaughter.
To commemorate all his hard work, the Victoria Centre partnered with local artist and recent Nottingham Trent University graduate Molly Moss to produce a bespoke acrylic painting which was presented to him by Glen Staniforth, operations manager.
Molly created a piece of art that encapsulated his time and dedication. She said: “The painting, done on A4 canvas in acrylic, captures the much-loved clock in all its glory and took approximately three weeks to create. Adding a personal touch for Pete, I’ve painted him into the piece standing proudly next to the clock he’s so passionate about.”
Victoria Centre director Nigel Wheatley said: “The Emett Clock is what gives Victoria Centre its character and, still to this day, we see many shoppers taking a minute to admire the structure and throw coins in to make a ‘penny wish.’ There’s no doubt that Pete’s work on the clock has guaranteed that visitors can admire the clock with the same level of craftsmanship as when it was first installed in 1973.
“Not only are we proud to have been able to support the fantastic work of an up-and-coming local artist, we’re delighted to have formally thanked Pete for everything he’s done, not just for the Emett Clock, but for Victoria Centre, and the wider Nottingham community.”