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March 2019
The articles link to the specific page in a PDF optimised for speed. If you want the whole issue, you can download it here, but the files from earlier years can be quite large.
March 2019
Page 1
Page 1
Notes that this March issue contains required formal material (Trustees' Annual Report and Accounts) alongside usual articles, including "Alektryon" and the annual "Dial Dealings". Mentions the sad passing of Jill Wilson and her contribution to mass dial records and the Biographical Index.
The BSS and Members
March 2019
Page 2
Page 2
Describes a new universal stainless steel equatorial sundial called 'Alektryon', inspired by Greek mythology (the story of the sleepless cockerel). Designed by Andreas Galanakis, it serves as an educational tool with adjustments for latitude and practical uses like orientation and star gazing. Its proportions were determined using the golden ratio instrument, Eumetron.
Construction Projects, Dials: Equatorial, Sundial Design & Layout
March 2019
Page 8
Page 8
Examines historical sundials identified by Thomas Ross in the Scottish Borders near Melrose, including a carved dial (1661) at Melrose Abbey. Investigates a Melrose cube dial (c. 162-) and five of the six historical dials in Newstead. Discusses the provenance and arms on the Abbotsford dial (originally from Dryburgh Abbey).
Dials: Multi Faced, Historical Dials
March 2019
Page 12
Page 12
Investigates a 1766 brass horizontal sundial found via the BSS Help and Advice Service. Although signed 'Martin Crosby', the latitude (53° 30ʹ) suggests the maker was likely John Martin of Great Crosby, Liverpool, a known clockmaker. The dial is notable for its minute-interval 'vernier' transversals and pierced gnomon.
Dials: Horizontal, Historical Dials, Sundial Design & Layout
March 2019
Page 13
Page 13
Features photographs of the sundial in the Stallhof courtyard, Dresden, a restored Baroque declining vertical dial destroyed in 1945. It was restored in 1976 and includes a ball nodus, constant-declination lines, Zodiac signs, and the motto *MORS CERTA HORA INCERTA*.
Dials: Vertical, Historical Dials, Mottoes
March 2019
Page 14
Page 14
Summarises notable sundials sold at auction in 2018. Items include a slate dial by Richard Melvin, a universal equinoctial ring dial by Jonathan Sisson, a 1553 vertical disc dial, an astronomical compendium by Ulrich Klieber (1571), an eight-pointed star dial by Hans Felt, and a previously unrecorded double horizontal dial by Elias Allen (c. 1630).
Dials: Double Horizontal, Dials: Portable, Historical Dials
March 2019
Page 16
Page 16
Review of Valery Dmitriev’s "Sundials of Saint Petersburg", the first book on sundials published in Russia in four decades. It serves as a comprehensive guide to historical and modern dials in the city, detailing their history and the author's personal construction experience.
Book Reviews
March 2019
Page 17
Page 17
Obituary for Rosalind Jill Wilson (1929–2018), a highly respected BSS member known for compiling the monumental Biographical Index of British Sundial Makers. Her diverse interests included geology, Egyptology, astronomy, and her work on the Index lists almost 1,900 names. She also left a bequest to the BSS.
The BSS and Members
March 2019
Page 18
Page 18
Describes three sundials commemorating war and peace. The first is the Merchant Seamen analemmatic dial at the National Memorial Arboretum. The second and third are new memorial analemmatic sundials in Aldridge (incorporating clay bricks inscribed by schools) and East Stour (made of Portland stone and granite). Also mentions a brass dial commemorating the 1919 Treaty of Versailles.
Construction Projects, Dials: Analemmatic, Historical Dials
March 2019
Page 22
Page 22
Investigation into the sundial at Angela Court (now Sundial House), East Devon. The assembly consists of an older cube dial topped by a brass Dollond horizontal dial plate engraved with an incorrect latitude (51° 15ʹ). The base has mysterious Latin inscriptions (SOLE, QUARE, SPLENDIDIUS, NECASTI) which are speculated to mean, "Why did you kill the sunshine?" suggesting the dial is a memorial.
Dials: Cube, Dials: Horizontal, Historical Dials, Mottoes
March 2019
Page 25
Page 25
Describes the Category A listed Dunbar Town House, Scotland, which features two renovated wall dials. The dials—one direct-west-facing and one declining south—were originally painted in 1686 and restored in 2011, noting the unusual Roman numerals.
Dials: Vertical, Historical Dials
March 2019
Page 26
Page 26
Details the creation of 'Mark III', an improved, portable equatorial heliochronometer. Key features include mechanisms for latitude adjustment (co-latitude scale), longitude correction (rotating the outer EoT scale), and a design for the date scale that minimises readability issues by allowing it to move in an arc. It uses Kevlar string for the gnomon and PTFE tape for smooth movement.
DIY Sundial Projects, Dials: Heliochronometer, Equation of Time, Sundial Design & Layout
March 2019
Page 32
Page 32
Describes a conventional analemmatic sundial commissioned for the Abbot Alphege Academy in Bath. The Forest of Dean sandstone dial commemorates Abbot Alphege (martyred 1012) and incorporates pointer stones, Bailey points, an Alphege cross, and stones naming personal qualities such as courage and wisdom.
Construction Projects, Dials: Analemmatic
March 2019
Page 35
Page 35
Describes the magnificent dials on the tower of the Governor’s Palace in Parma, Italy, restored in 2006. The combination includes a vertical dial split into morning/afternoon hours and a noon dial, both featuring an analemma with constant-declination lines and zodiac symbols. The dials were damaged during WWII when partisans attempted to remove Fascist symbols.
Dials: Noon Lines, Dials: Vertical, Historical Dials
March 2019
Page 38
Page 38
Features a rare postcard showing a Pilkington & Gibbs heliochronometer at the Mytton and Mermaid Hotel, Atcham. The distinctive dial no longer exists in situ, and its identification number is not visible on the high-resolution scan.
Dials: Heliochronometer, Historical Dials
March 2019
Page 39
Page 39
Review of "Sundials: Cutting Time – The Science and Art of 27 Kindersley Dials" by Frank King and Lida Lopes Cardozo Kindersley. The beautifully produced book explores 27 dials made by the Cardozo Kindersley Workshop over 80 years, covering the science, making, art, and language of dialling, and features a stereographic projection on the end flap.
Book Reviews
March 2019
Page 40
Page 40
A reader shares the story of a heavy stone vertical sundial purchased in Edinburgh 35 years ago and said to have come from the 'Isle of Fife'. Experts determined the dial, featuring a cherub's head and cross patty for noon, dates between 1660 and 1720 and its delineation is consistent with Fife's latitude.
Dials: Vertical, Historical Dials
March 2019
Page 41
Page 41
Reports on the Society reaching its 30th anniversary and maintaining core activities. Highlights successful infrastructure maintenance (Bulletin, website, registers), the publication of the first national Mass Dial Register, and progress on the Biographical Index. Notes the retirement of David Brown and the passing of Jill Wilson, and thanks volunteers.
The BSS and Members
March 2019
Page 44
Page 44
Presents the audited financial accounts for the British Sundial Society for the year ending 31st December 2018. Confirms the healthy financial status of the Society, capable of supporting current activities and future plans.
The BSS and Members