VIDEO/SLIDESHOW

NEWPORT Minster’s clock face has been restored to its original glory, thanks to a £15,000 contribution by the Isle of Wight Council.
The west-facing clock face has been fully re-painted in blue and gold, while more extensive work to the south-facing clock had to be carried out because of weatherworm.
Artist Nigel Searle spent 15 days painting the clock, including a 1.2m-diameter stone face, which was due to be lifted by crane and manhandled into the centre of the clock face yesterday (Thursday).
The gilding on the clock mechanism will be finished off on Monday and Tuesday and the scaffolding around the Minster is expected to be taken down at the end of next week.
Members of the public were able to watch the craftsmen from Wells Cathedral Stoneworks carrying out the specialist work.
“The council is pleased to be supporting the restoration of the civic clock. It will be visible from a distance and it is a tremendous improvement from the old corroded clock,” said Cllr David Pugh, leader of the Isle of Wight Council.

What the design respresents:

Left Hand Shield: The spears represent the supposed instrument of St Thomas the Apostle's martyrdom and the carpenter's square his role as patron saint of architects and builders. This arises from the tradition that he conducted his missionary work in India, where he was said to have built a palace for an Indian king.

Passion Flower: The 'passiflora' is a native plant of South America symbolising Christ's suffering.

Right Hand Shield: The three choughs are the usual symbol for Thomas Becket, found on his coat of arms — the chough was also known as a becket.


Reporter: mattw@iwcpmail.co.uk