BOB BENNETT’S TIME SQUARES CLOCKS

Bob Bennett established Time Squares in 2016, creating beautiful and unique mirror clocks. In October, he will be exhibiting a selection of his Art Deco inspired pieces at the Horsham Artists Contemporary Art Fair. AAH visited Bob at his Horsham home to find out more…

EMPIRE BUILDER

Although Bob had shown flashes of creative flair in his younger years and studied art at A-level, it is only since retirement that he has found himself with more time to demonstrate his artistic talent. Over the past 10 years, he has created hundreds of unique mirrors and mirror clocks, which he exhibits and sells at art and craft fairs. Most have been inspired by the bold architectural style of Art Deco.

Bob said: ‘I made my first Art Deco clock some 25 years ago. We went on holiday to New York and I was interested by the geometry and clean lines of famous buildings, such as the Chrysler and Empire State Building, which triggered an interest in Art Deco. At the time, we were building an extension on our Horsham home, which left an alcove where a window had once been. I had seen a picture of a mirror clock in an old Art Deco book and its style reminded me of the architecture of New York. It was also the perfect size to fill the alcove, so I tried replicating the design. It’s not a piece I would show people now, as I’ve developed my skills since then, but I enjoyed making it and people were complimentary at the time!’

GARDEN GROWTH

Some 15 years later, Bob was approaching retirement from a career in marketing for an engineering company. Considering hobbies to keep him occupied, he recalled the satisfaction he felt at designing the mirror clock, and decided to make more. He called the new venture Time Squares, connoting the function and geometry of his concepts, with a nod to New York too. 

He said: ‘After finishing a handful of pieces, we attended a craft fair in Cranleigh. My wife, Julia, joined me and has been an integral part of the business even since, helping set-up exhibits, promoting my work on social media, and taking the lead on sales at events. I soon realised the craft fair wasn’t the best place to exhibit my work. However, I met a woodturner who browsed my portfolio and suggested I approach RHS Garden Wisley. I had heard of Wisley, but had no idea that it hosted craft events. It transpired a major craft event was being held that same weekend, so we made the trip and looked around. 

‘The work displayed was very impressive, demonstrating high levels of craftsmanship. I spoke to the organiser about exhibiting my mirror clocks, and they suggested I join one of the smaller fairs first. That’s precisely what I did, before displaying pieces at the bigger annual event the following year. We did very well and sold several pieces. It was then that I realised there might be a future in the business. It wasn’t enough to make a living, but could bring in some welcome extra money during retirement. We’ve now been doing this for 10 years. Not every show is a success – there are good and bad days. Sometimes, we think we’ve had a quiet day, but months or even years later somebody we spoke to places an order! But it has been fun and we’ve made new friends along the way. Two years ago, I became a member of Horsham Artists too, exhibiting at the Contemporary Art Show and – this year – taking part in the Arts Trail for the first time.’

LIGHTER TOUCH

Bob’s pieces are made from a single sheet of 4mm mirrored glass, which is manipulated using glass decoration techniques to create a unique piece. He initially creates designs on a computer, before hand-crafting shapes and patterns on to the glass itself. 

Bob uses enamel glass paints that are not only long-lasting, but provide clear and consistent tones. Each painted section needs to dry before he can move on to the next, to avoid transference. Some pieces feature blended colours, as he has refined his methods with experience. Bob then applies self-adhesive leading, before fitting a quartz movement to make it a functional clock. Most are mounted on English oak, with brass fittings for hanging.

He said: ‘Adhesive leading provides a similar visual impact to lead on a stained-glass window. Actually, at first glance, people often assume my pieces are made from stained glass. However, whereas stained-glass relies on reflective light to reveal its colour, paint gives you colour in all conditions. The leading also lends itself to Art Deco by segregating colours to create linear shapes and clean, straight lines. The other important aspect of Time Squares is that I always deliver a finished piece to the client. As well as minimising the risk of damage, it means I can ensure they’re happy, while it helps build relationships too. From time to time, it might even lead to another order.’ 

CRUISE CONTROL

The materials Bob uses offer flexibility too. By using paints, he is able to match any colour, while he can add a range of patterns and textures to sections. Having initially focused on hanging clocks, Bob has explored other styles too, including mantle clocks, which stand on a plinth of granite or quartzite. He has also worked to commissions and enjoys the challenge they present…

‘One person presented me with a 1930s Art Deco poster of an ocean liner, called Normandie. He asked if there was any way I could make it into a mirror. It was tricky, as the poster featured blended colours of the sea and sky, and picked out details of the liner. I hadn’t tried anything like it before, as my work tends to feature solid blocks of colour. So, I had to interpret elements, but the client was delighted. Another unusual design was inspired by the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge at the Dartford Crossing. From a certain angle, the cables looked like hour markers, which gave me an idea. I love the challenge such designs represent. When somebody presents an idea, it takes you down exciting avenues. However, what I do is niche and not everybody appreciates Art Deco. Fortunately, those who do really seem to love it!’

However, Bob is happy to pick and choose commissions. He said: ‘I love my work, but don’t want it to dominate my life. I have two wonderful grandchildren and don’t need the stress of constantly meeting a deadline. I’m currently making 40 to 50 pieces a year, which keeps me busy while still leaving time for other things. That way, I can continue to make mirror clocks for a good while yet.’

Further information: Visit Bob’s website at www.timesquares.co.uk

First published in AAH Magazine on 1 October 2016. Words by Ben Morris, photos by Alan Wright Photography