Image Licensing : Reading Signal Works, Clock Shop, 1969

EDITORS COMMENTS

This photograph transports us back to 1969 at the Reading Signal Works of the Great Western Railway (GWR), a time when precision and craftsmanship were the cornerstones of clock and watch repair. The GWR was renowned for its extensive network and ownership of thousands of clocks and watches, which were meticulously maintained at this very workshop. The scene before us unfolds in the heart of the clock shop, where skilled artisans dedicate their days to the intricate process of mending and restoring timepieces. A myriad of clocks and watches of various shapes, sizes, and designs fill the room, each with its unique story to tell. In the foreground, a pocket watch is delicately held in the hands of a repairman, its inner workings exposed, ready to be brought back to life. The atmosphere is one of quiet focus and dedication, as the gentle hum of machinery and the rhythmic ticking of clocks fill the air. The walls are adorned with an array of tools and replacement parts, a testament to the meticulous nature of the work carried out within these walls. The clock faces, some ornate and grand, others simple and functional, all bear the patina of time, adding to the rich history and character of the workshop. This photograph offers a glimpse into a bygone era, where the art of clock and watch repair was a cherished craft, passed down through generations. The Reading Signal Works of the GWR stood as a beacon of precision and dedication, ensuring that the railway's vast collection of timepieces continued to keep accurate time, maintaining the rhythm of the railway network and the lives of its passengers.