Fortnum's Clock Blanket

Sitting proudly on the front of our flagship building, the Fortnum & Mason automata clock was the largest clock made in Britain since the great Westminster Clock – of Big Ben fame – in 1861. The structure consists of two pavilions cast in solid bronze, an elegant centre ornament and figures of Mr. Fortnum and Mr. Mason. It was designed by theatrical designer Berkeley Sutcliffe, who had acted as visual director for Fortnum’s for some years, and took three years to build. The clock debuted in an opening ceremony at 12 noon on Wednesday 4th November 1964.

The 17 bells inside were crafted by Mears and Stainbank of Whitechapel, whose history dates back to Queen Elizabeth I. Their notable works include the bells of Big Ben, Great Tom at Oxford, the Westminster Abbey bells, Bow Bells, and the ‘oranges and lemons’ bells of St Clement’s.