BSS President Christopher Daniel's Archive of his Lifetime's Work

Following the apparent disinterest of both the UK National Maritime Museum and particularly sadly, that of the Council of the British Sundial Society, Christopher Daniel's complete collection of papers, designs and other material accumulated over a near lifetime in the study of gnomonics, has been saved for posterity by its welcome deposit with the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors Library and Research Center located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, less than two hours from Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, and Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre.

The National Watch and Clock Museum was officially opened to the public in 1977 with fewer than 1,000 items. Since that time, the collection has increased to over 12,000 items and the museum has undergone several expansion projects. The latest expansion opened in October 1999 and featured an entirely new and redesigned exhibit space, as well as a new two-story addition. Today, the museum is recognized as the largest and most comprehensive horological collection in North America.

Christopher Daniel's extraordinary dialling archive extends to some seventy 9" x 11" boxes, with additional negatives, books, and journals.  Whilst this placement represents a very serious loss to the UK sundialling community the delight of the NAWCC is palpable and it is clear that the archive will be treasured and revered as a result of its move.  The world wide sundialling community can be reassured that it is clearly now in a very good home.  Read their initial Blog describing their latest acquisition by clicking on the image or here.

Anyone wishing to visit the museum* can find it at: National Watch & Clock Museum, 514 Poplar Street, Columbia, PA 17512
Phone: (01) 717-684-8261

The Christopher Daniel Collection

As already reported elsewhere in this website, Christopher Daniel's collection of images of his dials both finished and sometimes under construction together with several other associated aspects of his life in gnomonics has recently been placed on the web where it may be accessed by everyone. 

That folio may be found at The Christopher Daniel Collection.  Or simply use this short URL:  http://bit.ly/cstjhdaniel

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*Columbia PA may be reached from London Gatwick via Frankfurt and Newark Liberty Intl to Harrisburg Intl Airport for a fare (currently in 2013) less than £700 return (round trip).  Columbia is then only 21 miles by road. A limo service operates.