New design of armillary sphere takes shape in Edinburgh

New design of armillary sphere taking shape

A new design of armillary sphere takes shape in Edinburgh, inspired by an original sundial from Northern Italy. The skilled blacksmith work is complete. This is a bespoke design with gold highlights still to be painted.

A new design of armillary sphere has been taking shape in Edinburgh. It is inspired by an original sundial from Northern Italy which has an attractive and distinctive form. The expert blacksmiths at Ratho Byres Forge have done an excellent job in working from our design. They delivered the sundial at our premises today.

The whole concept is pleasing to the eye. The sundial feet are three beautiful spirals. The meridian ring is broken to let the sun shine in, so the gnomon arrow shaft can cast a clear shadow onto the equatorial band. The small globes on the tropical rings cast shadows to mark the times of solstice and equinox and the seasons.

This is designed as a bespoke sundial. The one in the photo is correct for a latitude of N56°. Some finishing work remains. It will have highlights in painted gold on the arrow, time bands, and globes. The sundial supports itself and does not need a pedestal.

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