The Charles Holden timepiece is now back in its rightful position in Station Parade following a revamp carried out by Cumbria Clock Company

The renovated clock back in position opposite Southgate Station (credit Heritage of London Trust)

A historic Art Deco clock has been reinstalled at Station Parade in Southgate following a restoration project.

The clock was installed opposite the Grade 2* listed tube station in 1932/33, as part of Charles Holden’s design of the shopping parade opposite Southgate Station. The renowned architect designed the wall clock as a concrete roundel with brass gilded ring plates and twelve gold button studs marking the hour.

After 90 years in service, the clock was temporarily removed last year to allow for the important restoration works. Commissioned by Transport for London (TfL) and undertaken by Cumbria Clock Company, these works included repairs to the clock mechanism, a refurbishment of the dial and a replacement of features that had gone missing over time, such as its gold medallions and sections of the chapter ring.

After being carefully repaired in a workshop in Penrith, Cumbria, the fully restored clock was reinstalled on Station Parade earlier this month. The restoration was supported by Heritage of London Trust, which awarded the project £7,000.

Southgate’s Station Parade lies at the heart of Southgate Circus Conservation Area. The station’s architecture was influenced by Charles Holden’s study tour of northern Europe architecture in 1930 and includes several notable architectural features such as bronze escalators and uplighters, as well as one of the few remaining passimeters on the tube network.

Jane Maggs, vice chair of Southgate District Civic Voice, said: “We are delighted that Southgate’s Station Parade clock has been returned to its full glory and continues to dutifully record the time for visitors to the area.

“The work that’s been done has given the arcade a new lease of life. We look forward to celebrating any future heritage renovations at Southgate Station and the surrounding area.”

Gareth Leslie, customer experience manager at TfL, added: “After several months of work to carefully restore the Art Deco design, the clock is once again keeping time for the residents of Southgate and all our passengers using our underground station and bus interchange.

“It’s been a fantastic effort by all involved to bring this historic timepiece back to its best and we hope that it remains a local focal point for many years to come.”

credit Cumbria Clock Company/Keith Scobie-Youngs

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