Welcome to the
Visit the Museum of Timekeeping – home to an important collection of clocks, watches, horological tools, and one of the world’s top horological libraries.
Opening Times
Open every Friday 10:30–15:30
Admission; tickets can be purchased on the door.
Standard Tickets: general opening for 2024:
Adult: £10
Under 14s: Free
Timekeepers’ Club Members: Free
Art Pass Holders: £5
BHI Members: £4
Group Visits available all year round (see Group Visit page for more details)
Collections & Exhibitions
Find more by checking our Collections and Exhibitions: Click Here
Exhibition: Giant Woods; the Wooden Clocks of Ron Woodford
Where: Museum of Timekeeping, Upton Hall, Main Street, Upton, Newark-on-Trent, NG23 5TE
Come and admire “Old Oily”, the wooden clock restored by Steve Fletcher on BBC’s Repair Shop. This is one of a series of three of Ron Woodford’s amazing wooden clocks, all on exhibition at Upton Hall. Two of these will not be on display for much longer, so come and visit while you can.
“Old Oily” is a monumental-scale wooden clock. It is a creative homage to the oil industry, inspired by the shape of iconic pumping stations and oil derricks, it was meticulously crafted for the 1976 Dallas Oil Symposium. Hidden away for years in the Woodford family barn, it was later revived by the skilled hands of Steven Fletcher in 2022.
This exhibition illustrates the technical ingenuity and craftsmanship of Woodford but also invites reflection on the broader historical and cultural contexts in which these extraordinary clocks were created.
Permanent Exhibition: ‘Early Timekeeping’
Embark on a journey back in time with our latest exhibition, where the ancient art of timekeeping unfolds before your eyes. Explore the origins of timekeeping through an exquisite collection that predates the era of mechanical timepieces. Delve into the elegance of sundials, the simplicity of sand glasses, the ingenuity of water clocks and the precision of astrolabes. Each artifact tells a story of humanity’s enduring quest to measure and harness time, inviting you to marvel at the innovation and craftsmanship of our ancestors. This meticulously curated display is not just an exhibition; it’s a gateway to the past, offering a profound appreciation for the tools that shaped our understanding of time long before the first clock was wound.
Permanent Exhibition: ‘Wonders of Watches’
Step into the ‘Wonders of Watch Gallery’, where history comes alive through the evolution of timepieces. Discover a captivating array of watches that not only traces their development through the history but also celebrates the pivotal contributions of women to this craft. Among these treasures, find the legendary timepiece of Captain Scott, a testament to endurance and exploration, that accompanied him on his historic Antarctic expeditions. Uncover the intricate relationship between science, warfare and the art of watchmaking as it has transformed over time. Engage with our interactive panels and marvel at the intricacy of escapement models, designed to enrich your understanding and appreciation of this timeless art.
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Archive & Library
Enter a realm where each moment unfolds a narrative, anchored by a vast collection of resources. Our archive and library stand as the cornerstone of our mission, embodying the essence of our commitment to preserving history and empowering future explorations.
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Our Story
Explore the history of the Britisih Horological Institute and the legacy of Upton Hall, a monument steeped in history since 1335, and marvel at its present architecture—a masterpiece envisioned by the 19th-century financier Thomas Wright and brought to life by the esteemed architect W.J. Donthorn.
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Shop
In our on-site shop, you will discover an exclusive array of Museum-branded merchandise and artworks by local artist Denis Peach. Immerse yourself in literature and family-friendly gifts that reflect the storied past of timekeeping and the British Horological Institute.
Collections Online
Embark on a digital odyssey through our online collection, where every video serves as a gateway to the mesmerizing narratives of horology, enhanced by our extensive repository. Dive into the captivating worlds of history, science, and art, all intricately linked by the study of timekeeping.
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Café
The independent on-site café, the Clock House Café, offers a range of homemade treats, sandwiches and meals, as well as cold refreshments and the finest loose-leaf tea and coffee.
Support Us: It Takes a lot to Keep Us Ticking
Help us to keep the Museum of Timekeeping ticking. With your help, we can continue to create and maintain exhibitions, preserve our history, develop educational resources and explore how time impacts everyone and every aspects of our lives.
