The 121-year-old Victoria Clock Tower in the town of Victoria, Seychelles is set for a complete refurbishment. It was erected in memory of Queen Victoria in April 1903.
According to Seychelles News Agency (SNA), the clock tower has never undergone major works but this is about to change as the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts (SNICHA) has contracted Gillett & Johnston, the British clockmaker and bell foundry based in Croydon, England, which manufactured the clock tower in the early 1900s, to expertly restore the clock and chiming mechanism.
According to Cecile Kalebi, Permanent Secretary for Culture at SNICHA, restoration of the entire clock tower, its structure and mechanism is crucial to preserve the Seychelles’ historical and cultural heritage.
With technical expertise, materials and support from an international consultant, this project is aiming to ensure the “lorloz” (clock tower in Creole) continues to stand as a proud symbol of history and legacy, Kalebi said.
An expert from Gillett & Johnston, Gerald Coombes-Winyard, visited the country for a complete assessment of the clock tower and evaluation of the work to be done. He said the clock is in very good condition for its age.
According to Coombes-Winyard, the plan is to assemble suitable access equipment, dismantle the clock section by section and completely remove the clock tower for refurbishment at another location. The team will be careful, under close supervision, to keep the clock tower traditional and original to preserve its heritage value.
Benjamine Rose, Executive Director of the Seychelles National Heritage Resource Council (SNHRC), said this project must urgently prevent further deterioration and maintain the clock tower’s historical and cultural significance.
The work, expected to be completed over several months, will include restoration of the clock and chiming mechanism to original working condition, restoring accuracy of timing and chiming and replacing dilapidated internal materials.
In an article by SNA in 2018, commemorating the clock tower's 115th anniversary, the late Seychellois historian Tony Mathiot said "the inauguration of the Victoria clock tower in our little capital on 1 April 1903 was a precursory event that introduced a new chapter in the history of our islands."
At the time, it cost around US$468 (about US$12 300 in today's terms). Made of cast iron, it was among other "Little Big Bens" similar to the clock tower at the Houses of Parliament in London.
Kalebi said SNICHA will document all stages of the refurbishment and feature the process in an exhibition to coincide with the unveiling of the refurbished clock tower.
