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Archie Clapham’s Clocks

  • Spectrum for 22 April 2012

    Archie Clapham trained as an engineer and for years ran the small power station that powered the Wellington tram system. He also collected clocks. By the time he was in his late 70's he had four… Read more Audio

Archie Clapham trained as an engineer and for years ran the small power station that powered the Wellington tram system. He also collected clocks.

Clocks April German made monastery clock Courtesy Claphams National Clock Museum small

German made monastery clock. (Courtesy Claphams  National Clock Museum)

By the time he was in his late 70’s he had four hundred of them crammed into his house - including rare, beautifully carved examples, Mickey Mouse clocks, a moving-eye clock and one that moves anti-clockwise!

Clocks April The anti clockwise clock Courtesy Claphams National Clock Museum small

The anti-clockwise clock. (Courtesy Claphams  National Clock Museum)

After shifting to Whangarei, Archie sold his collection to the local Council, and today Claphams National Clock Museum has over fourteen hundred time pieces. Spectrum discovers the joys and madness of a clock museum, and talks to Archie’s grandson Keith about his grandad’s impish sense of humour.