Connecting to Collections Care

Hi Mary, 

Thanks for your query. You might try contacting Mountain States Art Conservation for advice on moving the clock safely. Both "furniture" and "instruments" are listed on their site, and they are local. https://www.msaconservation.com/

Also, on the C2C site, check out https://connectingtocollections.org/a-conservation-primer-caring-for-historic-furniture/
Karen, C2C care monitor

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Karen Jones
Book and Paper Conservator
Freelance/Private Practice/Self-employed/Independent
Denver CO
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-30-2025 11:31
From: Mary Rupp
Subject: preparing a grandfather clock to be moved

Hello All,

As part of a building renovation project, the grandfather clock in our historical collection needs to be moved (carpet is being replaced and room repainted).  The clock has not been in operation for many years because its placement in a conference room.   Any advice on preparing for the moves (out of the room and later return) will be greatly appreciated.

I feel reasonably confident removing the weights and pendulum, but am not sure how to best pack/pad/contain the chain.  I wish to do the least amount of removal while protecting the clock for the move.  

 At some point in the future, the clock will be restored professionally but its current placement in a conference room means it will not be operational at this time.   The wood also needs treatment (we are in very dry climate) but I plan to wait until the moves and work are completed to minimize potential problems.  I can provide additional information and photographs of the clock and mechanism.

Thank you for your assistance,

 

Mary Rupp
Archives Librarian and Digital Repository Coordinator
UCCS University Archives, Kraemer Family Library

University of Colorado

Colorado Springs

mrupp@uccs.edu

(719) 255-3094

Hi Mary,

We have successfully moved a number of tall case clocks between collections and exhibition buildings - some of them several times. We move and store them in a vertical position on custom wooden palettes with a vertical backboard. Glass clock faces are taped with painters tape in case of breakage and inner workings (pendulums, etc.) are immobilized with Microfoam and moved in situ. The same mounts are used for moving and for subsequent storage. The raised bases allow for movement with a pallet jack. The clock cases are secured to the vertical part of the mount using twill tapes or fabric straps.

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Dee Stubbs-Lee
Conservator
New Brunswick Museum
Saint John, New Brunswick
Canada
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-30-2025 11:31
From: Mary Rupp
Subject: preparing a grandfather clock to be moved

Hello All,

As part of a building renovation project, the grandfather clock in our historical collection needs to be moved (carpet is being replaced and room repainted).  The clock has not been in operation for many years because its placement in a conference room.   Any advice on preparing for the moves (out of the room and later return) will be greatly appreciated.

I feel reasonably confident removing the weights and pendulum, but am not sure how to best pack/pad/contain the chain.  I wish to do the least amount of removal while protecting the clock for the move.  

 At some point in the future, the clock will be restored professionally but its current placement in a conference room means it will not be operational at this time.   The wood also needs treatment (we are in very dry climate) but I plan to wait until the moves and work are completed to minimize potential problems.  I can provide additional information and photographs of the clock and mechanism.

Thank you for your assistance,

 

Mary Rupp
Archives Librarian and Digital Repository Coordinator
UCCS University Archives, Kraemer Family Library

University of Colorado

Colorado Springs

mrupp@uccs.edu

(719) 255-3094