Water Clock
Inspired by a 13th-century clock design, the piece features tubular bells that chime every quarter hour. It was intentionally built with visible workings, inviting visitors to observe and understand how it functions.
This impressive eight-foot-tall water clock, crafted from bronze and copper, was handmade by inventor, engineer, and clockmaker Ken Newson. More than a timepiece, it represents an extraordinary story of determination and recovery.
Ken began building the clock as part of his rehabilitation after a life-changing stroke caused by a brain tumour. Despite losing parts of his vision, language, and mobility, he challenged himself with complex creative projects, using them to rebuild his skills and stimulate his mind. Remarkably, his problem-solving ability remained strong, allowing him to design and construct this intricate mechanism.
As a member of Success After Stroke (SAS), Ken is a powerful example of what can be achieved through determination, resilience, and sheer will. Once displayed proudly in Sudbury, the clock fell silent during the Covid period and required restoration.
It has since been carefully repaired and returned to working order, preserving both its mechanical beauty and its powerful human story. This clock is not only a measure of time, but a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of craftsmanship.