University of Dundee : External Relations : Press Office

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13 May 2009

Historic Brechin clock powers degree show exhibit

an image of Jessica Ram with the Brechin clock

An 18th century, weight-driven clock, originally from Brechin Town Hall, which could be heard by prisoners awaiting deportation in the cells below the building, forms the basis of an exhibition at this year’s Duncan of Jordanstone Degree Show.

Fine Arts student Jessica Ramm (22), from Kirriemuir, came across the 200-plus year old clock when her parents saved it from the scrapheap. Jessica hit upon the idea of using it for one of her kinetic installations and, with some alterations, it now forms the centrepiece of her Degree Show exhibit, entitled Dispersal.

The face has been removed, and instead of being used to tell time, the clock now features tiny metal mechanisms which peck away at bronze orbs and glass bulbs to symbolise an endless productivity and compulsive communication.

A plate taken from the clock reveals that it was the work of clockmaker John Drummond, of Brechin, in 1790. The clock worked for around 200 years, and this aspect appeals to Jessica’s interest in history and mythology.

She explained, 'For me, things that have a history have more worth as objects than new things. I’m very interested in creating works that act out mythology.'

'The clock has a real sense of history, and the Town Hall used to contain a courthouse and jail. The thought that prisoners once sat listening to the clock ticking away while waiting to find out their fate, or to be deported, was something that interested me.

'My parents are both artists and so they’re always collecting stuff that they think might be interesting and sometimes I look at these pieces and think 'I’m having that' as There’s a lot of stuff lying around that people may see as junk that I look at and want to use.

'The clock was going to be thrown out because it didn’t work properly anymore, but my parents heard about this and rescued it. It’s been in our sitting room for a couple of years, and I’ve had it in my mind all that time that it might feature in my work.'

Turning a centuries-old clock into a working piece of art required Jessica to seek advice from both staff at Duncan of Jordanstone, and a variety of tradespeople. She became a regular at the counters of electric suppliers’ companies as she sought advice on how to wire up differently for the specific bulbs she used.

'I’ve done a lot of oiling and fiddling around with little pieces of the mechanism,' she continued. 'Once the clock is wound up and begins to peck away at the bell jars, and the whole thing comes to life it’s worth it as this piece is really quite precious to me.'

Jessica says her work is greatly influenced by surroundings and people, in particular the way people conduct their lives in different cultures.

'I love to watch people go about their day. I’ve done a fair bit of travelling, and like to observe how people go about their business differently abroad. I find it fascinating how people do things.'

Jessica will soon have the opportunity to observe how things are done in Italy, as she has been selected as one of the student assistants who will form part of the Scottish delegation at the Venice Biennale, a major exhibition of contemporary art.

Working with representatives of Dundee Contemporary Arts, she will help to showcase Scottish art, in particular the work of Martin Boyce, who will present a solo show at the exhibition.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

DEGREE SHOW 2009
Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, University of Dundee

Weds 20th May - VIP Preview night with fashion icon Erin O’Connor, Chair of the British Fashion Council and V&A trustee .