The year’s 1903. The Jewellery Quarter unveils a beautiful, statuesque clock in its centre.

The ‘Chamberlain Clock’ stands proud on the roundabout junction of Warstone Lane and Vyse Street. It was designed as a memorial for former Mayor of Birmingham and local politician, Joseph Chamberlain.

Fast forward 117 years. The clock no longer tells the time, but it still stands tall in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter.

And the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID) recently revealed plans to restore the landmark to its former glory.

Following a successful pledge by the team, the restoration will be carried out by specialist clock-makers, Smith of Derby.

The team, with its 164 years of experience, will work to restore Chamberlain Clock tower, internal workings and clock face, with a lick of paint to finish the job. The plans also include reinstating the clock’s bell, to chime in the hours for years to come.

The clock’s restoration set to reach a staggering £150,000 in costs and will be removed for renovations later this month.

The clock has not having been repaired since 1989, so it’s about time a revamp is in order.

The £150k budget for these renovations has been made a reality by fundraising by the JQBID and Jewellery Quarter Townscape Heritage project. This is a National Lottery Heritage Fund scheme.

The researcher is also set to explore Chamberlain’s involvement in the British Empire, delving into his role as colonial secretary.

A new heritage information panel installed nearby to the clock will highlight the findings. This will allow future generations to understand the history behind the local landmark.

The restoration will be complete by early 2021.

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