Smith of Derby Group

He went on to be the founder of a new clockmaking company in 1856, first establishing his business in premises at 27 Queen Street in Derby.

Under Frank Smith, the company were responsible for building the huge turret clock for St Paul's Cathedral in 1893.

Clockmakers William Potts & Sons, Leeds were established in 1833 and acquired by Smith of Derby in 1933; JB Joyce & Co of Whitchurch were responsible for many clocks internationally and were acquired by Smith of Derby in 1965;[citation needed] George & Francis Cope were established in 1845 as producers of chronometers for the Admiralty, and joined Smith of Derby in 1984.

In 2013, the company acquired the historical Scottish clockmaker James Ritchie & Son but continue to operate the firm as a subsidiary.

[12] The Prayer Clocks are customisable and can be designed to include precious metals and gems.

John Smith (1813–1886), clockmaker and the original founder of today's Smith of Derby Group
The Cathedral Clock originally manufactured and installed by John Smith and Sons in 1893 at St Paul's Cathedral in London
The world's highest building mounted clock above street level at the Boeing Headquarters in Chicago, by Smith of Derby. Photographer J. Crocker
The rotating globe kinetic sculptural installation at the Coliseum Theatre in London manufactured by Smith of Derby