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Method of making the Tower Bell for Westminster 1856
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Method of making the Tower Bell for Westminster 1856
Showing the method for making the Great Clock, Big Ben, using a mould. Date: 1856
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Media ID 20159013
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Bubblepunk
1850s 1856 Bell Casting Clock Method Mould Moulds Westminster
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph from 1856 offers a rare glimpse into the intricate process of creating the iconic Tower Bell for the Clock of Big Ben at the Palace of Westminster in London. The image showcases the meticulous method of bell casting using moulds, a technique that dates back to ancient times. During the 1850s, the existing Great Bell, known as "Big Ben," had cracked, rendering it unusable. The new bell was to be larger and heavier, requiring an innovative casting process. The photograph captures the bell being formed in its molten state, as it is poured into the large, intricately designed mould. The mould is carefully placed within the bell furnace, which reaches temperatures of over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the molten metal has filled the mould, it cools and solidifies, taking on the shape of the bell. The moulds used in this process were crafted with great precision, ensuring that the final bell would have the correct shape, size, and thickness. Each mould was made from a combination of sand and clay, which was meticulously packed around a wooden pattern. Once the mould was filled with molten metal, the sand and clay were allowed to cool and harden, leaving behind the intricate details of the bell's shape. The creation of the new Tower Bell for Big Ben was a significant event in the history of clockmaking and bell casting. This photograph provides a fascinating look into the artisanal craftsmanship and innovative techniques that were employed to create this iconic symbol of London's timekeeping heritage.
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