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June 2022
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.
June 2022
Page 1
Page 1
This section covers the recent BSS Conference in York, highlighting talks on mechanical EoT arrangements and sundial makers. It also announces the sad death of Tony Wood, who led the Mass Dial Group for many years, and introduces the main articles in the issue.
The BSS and Members
June 2022
Page 2
Page 2
This article explores cornice or 'hat' sundials found across Europe, focusing on their unique design where time is indicated by the shadow of a curved cornice or set of styles. It details several examples, locations, construction dates, and conservation recommendations for these historically interesting and unusual dials.
Dials: Unusual, Historical Dials, Sundial Design & Layout
June 2022
Page 8
Page 8
A portable diptych sundial made of animal bone, recovered during excavation in Cambridge, is assessed. It is estimated to be a 17th-century continental import, likely French or German, based on design flourishes and the latitude (48°) for which it was calculated. The dial uses a missing string gnomon and features a horizontal leaf with a compass box.
Dials: Portable, Historical Dials
June 2022
Page 9
Page 9
A brief entry noting a replica of a Roman portable sundial created by Vsevolod Buravchenko for the Chairman. Further design analysis is directed toward a previous Bulletin article published in 2015.
Construction Projects, Dials: Portable, Historical Dials
June 2022
Page 10
Page 10
Continuing the series following Thomas Ross, this article examines nine sundials documented in his work on Scottish ecclesiastical architecture. It details the current condition, location, and history of dials found mostly on church walls or associated structures like lych-gates, including cubes and verticals, often noting signs of wear or required restoration.
Dials: Cube, Dials: Multi Faced, Historical Dials, Restoration projects
June 2022
Page 16
Page 16
This describes a DIY horizontal mosaic sundial constructed on a paving slab using found materials, specifically slate for the surface and pieces of clay tobacco pipe stems for the hour lines. The piece features a copper gnomon with decorative cut-outs and was successfully tested as a moon dial in the garden.
Construction Projects, DIY Sundial Projects, Dials: Horizontal, Dials: Unusual
June 2022
Page 18
Page 18
This note records the finding of a previously unlisted sundial on the York Deanery grounds during the BSS conference tour. The current 'Sunny Hours' dial sits on a fine pedestal and appears to be a replacement for a five-ring armillary dial recorded there in 2001.
Dials: Horizontal, Historical Dials, The BSS and Members, Dials: Armillary Sphere
June 2022
Page 18
Page 18
A discussion of the Prestbury St Peter’s Church sundial (SRN 0149), based on a 1923 postcard. The dial, a Grade II Listed Building, originated in 1672 and was improved in 1771, though its gnomon is noted as missing.
Dials: Horizontal, Restoration projects, Historical Dials
June 2022
Page 19
Page 19
An investigation into the history of Sir Walter Scott’s sundial at Abbotsford and its American replica at Hillside, Menands, NY. The research establishes a probable link through publisher David Douglas and Dean Sage, concluding the replica is likely a copy of a refurbished replacement dial from the mid-19th century, not the original 1812 installation.
Historical Dials, Restoration projects
June 2022
Page 26
Page 26
This section presents a selection of over 30 new reports added to the Register in 2021. Noteworthy entries include several 17th-century church verticals, three newly identified makers, a large azimuth dial, and examples featuring advanced concepts like 'Plane’s Longitude' or unusual shapes like sliced spheres.
Dials: Unusual, Historical Dials
June 2022
Page 33
Page 33
A report detailing the proceedings of the BSS Annual Conference held in York. It summarises various talks covering topics like displaying the Equation of Time, the historical San Petronio Meridiana, John Goodricke’s astronomy, sundial design using 3D point clouds, and the changing professional trades of sundial makers in the British Isles.
Equation of Time, Historical Dials, Sundial Design & Layout, The BSS and Members
June 2022
Page 40
Page 40
The formal annual report compiled by the Trustees covering the activities and status of the British Sundial Society for the calendar year 2021. This document is typically reviewed and formally acknowledged at the subsequent Annual General Meeting.
The BSS and Members
June 2022
Page 47
Page 47
The official financial statements and accompanying reports for the British Sundial Society covering the period ending 31 December 2021, published for review by members and notification at the Annual General Meeting.
The BSS and Members