What a fun surprise. A new four ton sculpture “The Foundry Clock Man” has been hoisted to the top of the Sharpe Building at Promenade Apartments overlooking Route 95. The piece was designed by noted Rhode Island sculptor Peter Diepenbrock and is illuminated from within. The Providence Journal has the details and sent photographer Steve Szydlowski up top for the installation.
The sculpture is a tribute to the Browne & Sharpe Manufacturing Co. and its first product: clocks. Brown & Sharpe, which grew to become one of the world’s largest machine tool manufacturers during the industrial revolution era of Providence, made its home on the Foundry Campus in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The clock was fabricated by Americlock Inc., a Missouri-based large custom clock maker, and is big enough for a person to get inside for adjustments. Diepenbrock’s design has a kinetic feel to it — the clock is tilted slightly as if the man is about to roll it off the roof. Adjust your time-telling accordingly.
Big thanks to the Foundry Associates. This is a great addition to the skyline.