STEPHEN HOLEHAN SUNDIAL AND SIGN MAKER

Workshop/mobile 07947 214802

Non Brass Wall Dials are made from a deeply engraved resin based substrate and marine grade back board.

These are becoming more popular as they are less enticing to metal thieves.  They can also be made with a bespoke painted or varnished European or American oak  frame.

These will require some maintenance over time as with any exterior timber work.

Shown here are two examples of solid brass dials. Made from 2.0/2.5mm  thick engraving brass with solid brass gnomons/styles. The dial to the left is of a bespoke size and design. The dial to the right is a standard size of  290mm tall x 450mm wide. It can be the other way- taller than wider.

It is possible to engrave a plate size of up to

600mm x 900mm-23 ½ “ x 33 ½”(nom)

Equation of time plates can be fixed below a dial in a place that is more easily read. These plates allow dial time to be adjusted relative to the season to obtain true clock time.

Where a dial is placed high up on a building an EOT plate is much more easily read

South declining 27.5 degrees west,

Latitude corrected.

Shows clock time (GMT) when used in conjunction with EOT plate below.

Pictured left with a European oak, painted frame.

Vertical wall dials

Available in solid brass, solid copper, painted on resin board, engraved and colour filled on resin board.

Vertical dials can be made for wall facing Due East through due South to due East. It is possible to have North facing NE/ N /NW dials but these will only show the very early and late hours during summer months.     I can calculate and show specific anniversary dates Birth dates etc.

Walls do not have to be vertical as it is possible to include the effect of the dial tilting forward /backwards within the layout(Epure) of the dial.

I can send you a special instructions to measure all of this All you need is some sunny days! . Wall angles taken with a magnetic compass are not as accurate, a solar north reading is required. Please see technical pages.

Direct south facing dials, local apparent time.

Finger gnomon, gives long shadow down the length of the dial.Can have a “nodus” (notch) to show solstice/equinox positions by marking the suns azimuth.

As per image above.

Short gnomon, gives a pointed shadow which tracks the suns azimuth, the tip of the shadow marks solstice/equinox lines.

As per top left image

Gnomon (styles) types

Letter carved and painted wall dials

These dials are made from marine grade hardwood, precision letter cut and lined before being hand painted with exterior grade paint. I can copy and remake existing dials and have experience of working on buildings requiring Listed Building Consent.

It is possible to machine a plate size of up to 600mm x 900mm-23 ½ “ x 33 ½”(nom)

Please do not hesitate to contact me with your requirements

BELOW ARE IMAGES OF A RECENT COMMISSION.

Please note; location information on the dial face has been touched out of these images for security reasons.

Please note; location information has been touched out of these images to help prevent theft.

This dial is a remake of the original dial removed from this listed building, When the original was received it was in a very sad state and beyond renovation. Stephen was able to digitally scan and replicate some of the original paint brush strokes and also recalculate the dial face. Where the new dial differs from the original is that the brush strokes have been replaced by precision machined “V” carved recesses, infilled to give greater contrast and longevity. The original Gnomon has been retained but “tweeked” to the new calculations.

Another  “fusion of art and instrument”™; designed and created by Stephen in North Yorkshire for clients across the globe.

Guide price from £500.00, please contact me for a quote.