The Collection

The museum collection comprises of approximately 8,000 – 10,000 clocks, watches and other timepieces, tools, instruments, photographs and archives, plus a library of almost 5,000 books and valuable documents, which is widely acknowledged as one of the finest sources of horological information in the world.

From minuscule mechanisms and precision engineering to colossal constructions and atomic devices, the many highlights of this collection include the first successful electric timepiece, the personal watch of Captain Scott of the Antarctic, clocks that were made as early as the 17th century, plus no less than three speaking clocks.

This collection has its origins in the foundation of the BHI in 1858 when members of the Institute began collecting clocks, watches and other timepieces and artefacts to support the education of clock and
watch makers. In 1994 the collection was placed in charitable trust, now the Museum of Timekeeping, established to ensure the long-term future of the collection and to provide inspiration and enjoyment of timekeeping by everyone.

At present a large-scale project is being led by the Collections Officer, with the help of Collections Volunteers, to create an inventory which fully documents and catalogues the collection. Due to the historic nature of the collection and varied standards of collections documentation and paperwork utilised during its 160-year-old history, this is a large-scale and complex project, likely to take some years to complete. In the long run this will help improve access to the collection and also support new ways of using the collection in exhibitions, events and wider activities.

Due to space and storage limitations and to avoid duplication, the museum has a collecting policy which sets out criteria regarding what can be and cannot be collected, plus priorities for future collection. An acquisitions committee meets quarterly to undertake decisions on individual donation proposals.

The Museum Trust must be sure that it can care for items adequately and therefore it is unlikely that incomplete objects or artefacts in poor condition or containing hazardous substances will be accepted. The Museum is regularly offered spare clock or watch parts, which we usually have to turn down as they are unlikely to be of use for display or research. In this situation, we recommend that enquirers contact any local clock or watch repairers that may be able to make use of these items.

Occasionally items are offered to the Museum to purchase. As the Museum Trust does not have an allocated purchasing budget items can only be purchased in exceptional circumstances with the approval of the board of trustees, and this method is likely to take time, requiring external funding and is most likely to relate only to specific items of interest.

From time to time the museum accept loans whereby an object/s relates to enhancing a specific project or display. All loans are agreed for a fixed term not exceeding 5 years. The museum does not look to take on loan items for purposes other than public display e.g. research, storage.

The Museum can loan certain artefacts to other ACE accredited museums who meet necessary criteria. Overtime the museum hopes to develop handling resources for loan to schools and other groups for educational purposes.