Clock

This dark brown wooden clock has been in the possession of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Canterbury since the 1870s. It was acquired by Professor Alexander William Bickerton, the first professor of Chemistry. Bickerton came from England to Christchurch in 1874 to be one of the four founding professors at Canterbury College. It is thought that Bickerton purchased the clock in England and, on arrival here, mounted it in the Department. 

Just prior to starting at Canterbury College in 1874, Bickerton gave his first public lecture to the people of Christchurch. The subject of his lecture was ‘Conversion of voltaic electricity into other forms of energy’, illustrated by numerous experiments. He attracted an impressively large crowd, and gained the approval and confidence of the public in his abilities as a teacher. Bickerton was a popular lecturer in his early years, and his dedication towards his students was unmatched. Almost all of his spare time was dedicated to his students to ensure they succeeded - he was even available on Saturdays, just in case his students needed him. Bickerton’s passion and eagerness for the sciences encouraged and inspired his students, including Ernest Rutherford. Upon Bickerton’s death in 1929, Rutherford wrote: “He took a personal interest in his students and their work, and was always active in encouraging original investigations. His power of popular exposition, his enthusiasm and versatility were of great value in promoting an interest in science in a young community… He was, indeed, a most lovable character.”

When the College first opened in 1873, lectures started as early as 7:45am. However, the College clock wasn’t installed in the Clock Tower on Worcester Boulevard until 1879, so a clock in the department would have been very useful for students who lost track of time! The clock remains in the Department of Chemistry’s care and is a physical reminder of Bickerton, his students and their achievements.