Creating a new timepiece for the Chemainus Public Market went like clockwork for Morgan Bristol.
The Chemainus craftsman of all trades formulated a unique piece for the front of the building that went up in August.
“When we took over the building, the clock was missing,” explained Warren Goulding, a partner in the ownership of the market with Tony Van de Mortel. “Nobody knew where it had gone.”
The landlord didn’t know and neither did the previous tenant.
“A lot of people had the desire that the clock be put back,” said Goulding.
Noticing a large clock at La Petite Auction House, he approached Bristol about doing one.
“I knew Morgan was doing clocks, creative ones,” noted Goulding. “He does these funky clocks.
“If anybody could do it locally, it’s him.”
The clock he made had a saw blade in the middle, in keeping with the town’s history.
“He did a great job,” said Goulding. “Everybody’s thrilled with it. It finishes off the front of the building.”
Bristol was happy to take on the project.
“He (Goulding) left the idea with me,” he pointed out. “I wanted to keep it simple, readable from a distance.”
Bristol took a saw blade from a sawmill, and then powder coated and sealed it. Copper trees are contained around the middle.
A patina will form in time, he added, giving the trees a more rustic look.
The clock is also contained on a sturdy plywood base.
Bristol worked on the piece in his spare time during the summer while doing his usual array of other projects.
He wanted to give a “shout out” to Doug Fitzpatrick for his assistance.
“I couldn’t have done it without his mathematical details,” conceded Bristol.
