In The Press

Newsletter May, 2010

We hope this newsletter finds you well.

We expect to send out a newsletter each month to tell you what's happening in the shop, to inform you of clocks for sale, tips to care for your clocks, and other items of interest.

                                  Swearing in Ceremony, London. 12th April 2010.                Tony Gray Photograph

Last month, Ray travelled to London to be accepted as a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. The Clockmakers Company, established in 1631, retains very close links with its origins, with clock and watch making now and in the past.

Ray has more than 50 years experience as a professional clockmaker, both in the UK and US. Working with his apprenticeship-trained son, Richard, he restores antique clocks from all over New England and Eastern Canada, working with museums, conservators, private owners, and collectors of these priceless artifacts.

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The Clockmaker's Apprentice

                                                                                               Richard E. Bates

                                                                                                  Clockmaker

For some time now, many of you will have noticed that Richard, my son, has been making the house calls to pick up and deliver the clocks. As much as I miss the personal contact with everyone, this has freed me up to continue running the business and to devote more time to special projects and restoration work.

Richard came to work with me 14 years ago, beginning by serving a four-year apprenticeship based on the British system under which I trained, and which I developed here in the USA in conjunction with the State of Vermont Department of Labor and Industry, in 1968. This is an intensive program of training and consists of hands-on experience in every aspect of clockmaking, plus research and theoretical studies.

Only a handfull of candidates have the aptitude to be accepted into this program, and in the 40-odd years since starting this apprenticeship training, only five, including Richard, have completed it successfully.

Richard is married, with two daughters, and lives in Keene, NH.
Sincerely,

Ray Bates
The British Clockmaker

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Vermont Life, Winter 1971

Next Page

 

Big Hand, Little Hand
On the clock with Ray Bates
By Kirk Kardashian [12.26.07]