Gothic Revival Clock Tower
Forged, cast and pressed steel
8' x 8' x 20' (L x W x H)
The tower displays an historic clock that served for many years in the steeple of St. Michael’s Church in Rochester, NY. The clockworks rest on an elegantly painted chassis in the base of the tower. Clock enthusiasts recognize it as an E. Howard Company #2 Tower Clock.
The design concept was a collaboration between architect/designer Lee Pharr, clock specialist Durward Center and the owner of the clock. Lee Badger was commissioned to bring the design into reality.
Constructing the tower was an exercise in creative collaboration and metal working versatility. The greatest challenges during construction were managing a multitude of details and combining a diversity of iron working processes.
The Gothic Revival design required hand forged pieces to coordinate with ornamental castings and structural steel. Many different castings needed to be divided and re-assembled to fit the tower’s proportions and dimensions. Steel tube, sheets and plates formed the structure. The tower was constructed in two sections for transportation to the owner’s site. It took eight working months to complete.
The Gothic Revival Clock Tower was published in "Ironwork Today 2: Inside and Out" (p. 251 - Schiffer Publishing- December, 2008)