Master and Slave clocks were an innovation in their time that allowed a series of clocks to be accurate and in sync. This system consisted of a single precision master clock that would provide timing signals to synchronise a series of slave clocks as part of a network. These series of electric clocks were connected via wires to the master clock and were adopted widely by institutions like factories, offices and schools during the 1900s. Unlike conventional clocks of the time that needed to be wound by hand and could easily become out of sync with each other, the master and slave system meant that all the clocks moved together and kept time accurately.
The Mackintosh Master and Slave clocks designed by Mackintosh were manufactured in Glasgow by Dykes Brothers and installed by Mackintosh himself in 1910. This series of clocks were recently restored by the GSA archives and collections with funding from Museum Galleries Scotland (you can see our previous posts on the project here and the BBC coverage of it here) and were reinstalled in the school before the fire. So why am I talking about these clocks again? I am glad you asked! The Mackintosh Master and Slave Clocks have recently been to the Mackintosh Furniture Gallery where visitors will be able to view the clocks on the GSA daily tours (further information on these tours can be found here). If you would like to see this clock in action come along and have a look for yourself!
Mackintosh Master and Slave Clock from The Glasgow School of Art on Vimeo.
