The Clockworks, London, has appointed of Dr Kirsten Tambling as its inaugural Curator. A distinguished museum professional, writer, and researcher, Kirsten brings a wealth of expertise to the role as she leads The Clockworks into an exciting new chapter in its development.
The Clockworks, founded in 2011, is a unique institution that combines a museum, library, archive, conservation workshop, and event space in a historic former printworks in West Norwood, London. It is the heart of a thriving global community of people interested in the measurement and distribution of time using electric clocks – collectors, researchers, curators, artists, enthusiasts, conservators, and many more.
Kirsten has consistently demonstrated a flair for uncovering and sharing compelling narratives in historical collections. With a background in the history of collections, the intersection of art and psychiatry, and eighteenth-century British and French art, she has held roles at the Royal Collection, Bethlem Museum of the Mind, Dr Johnson’s House, the National Gallery, and Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village.
As well as curating exhibitions, Kirsten has written widely for publications including Apollo Magazine, Country Life, Literary Review, and The Art Newspaper. She has also held research and teaching or lecturing roles at institutions including the V&A, King’s College London, Birkbeck, and the Courtauld Institute of Art. Her doctoral research examined the work of the eighteenth-century artists William Hogarth and Jean-Antoine Watteau.
In the newly created role of Curator of The Clockworks, Kirsten will research, interpret, and share rich stories of electrical horology with a wide range of audiences, both on site and around the world. She will also enhance the visibility of The Clockworks, shaping its display, interpretation, and engagement practices.
“I am delighted to be joining The Clockworks at such an exciting time in its journey. Its collection is of international significance, the finest and most comprehensive of its kind in the world. I look forward to bringing the story of electrical timekeeping to the widest possible audience.”
Dr Kirsten Tambling, Curator, Clockworks
Commenting on the appointment, the trustees of The Clockworks expressed their enthusiasm for Kirsten’s fresh and imaginative approach, highlighting her originality, sensitivity, and deep scholarly insight as qualities that will drive the institution forward.
“We were really delighted to invite Kirsten to join The Clockworks as its inaugural Curator. She greatly impressed us with her thoughtful and inspiring vision for the museum, as well as with her curatorial background and wide experience. We’re excited to move into the next phase of The Clockworks with Kirsten at the curatorial helm.”
Dr James Nye, Founder, Clockworks
At The Clockworks, Kirsten will join Alex Jeffrey, conservator-in-residence since 2023. Alex was apprenticed at Thwaites & Reed before joining the Palace of Westminster clock team as part of the Big Ben restoration project. Besides his work at The Clockworks, Alex runs his own conservation business, the Alex Jeffrey Clock Company.
Former resident and visiting conservators at The Clockworks include Johan ten Hoeve, now running ten Hoeve Uurwerktechniek (Friesland), Tabea Rude, now curator and conservator of the Wien Uhrenmuseum (Vienna), Françoise Collanges, conservation and heritage consultant (Brussels), and James Harris, now running Harris Horology (London).
For more information please visit The Clockworks, London
All images courtesy of The Clockworks