Sundials by Robert Foster Commission a dial

Horizontal dials

The all-brass Classic sundial resting on the top of a pale stone pedestal, its face engraved with a compass rose, Roman numerals, the Equation of Time scale and the motto SIC VITA DVM FVGIT STARE VIDETVR around the lower rim, with a curled brass gnomon casting a shadow and passion flowers growing behind it.

Classic

Horizontal sundial in all brass

£235

Commission the ClassicSizes and weights

The beautifully engraved design includes a handsome compass rose, the Equation of Time, and the Latin motto: SIC VITA DUM FUGIT STARE VIDETUR. Which translates as: THUS LIFE, WHILST IT FLIES, SEEMS TO STAND STILL. If preferred, this wording may be substituted with a personal inscription of similar length.

The motto for this dial

Sic vita dum fugit stare videtur

Thus life, whilst it flies, seems to stand still.

Size and weights

Diameter: 10.5 in. (270mm)£235Approx. weight 4.5lbs (2kgs)

Your inscription

Brass and Bronze are both excellent for engraving, Aluminium less so. The full globe armillaries offer an ideal surface for your personal message: along the top facing side of the Equator.

On sundials which do not have a surface suitable for engraving, a separate brass plaque can usually be fixed to the top of the pedestal to provide a fine alternative.

Robert's guide price for an inscription is from £65.00.

A drawing of the dial face with the inscription set across itIIIIVVIVIIVIIIIXXXIXIIIIIIIIIIIIVVIVIIVIIISic vita dum fugitstare videtur

Shown across the plate below the hour lines, the way Robert's own printable blank sets it out.

One or two lines, up to 68 characters (32 so far). Longer wordings and verses are possible on some pieces, so ask Robert if yours will not fit.

Or start from one of Robert's own mottoes

He keeps a longer list: A Few Latin Sundial Mottos (PDF).

Commission the Classic with this wording

Your wording travels with you to the next step. Nothing is ordered here: the commission page sets out the piece, the size and the wording for Robert to confirm with you.

More photographs

The Classic brass sundial on its pale stone pedestal among passion flowers, shown as the smaller catalogue view of the same photograph.
Catalogue plate
A Classic sundial installed on a tall fluted Linford stone pedestal at the centre of a formal walled garden, standing on a circle of stone paving with clipped hedges and borders around it.
In place

How to order

Delivery
Robert charges £15.00 to deliver a horizontal sundial.
By telephone
Card details are taken by telephone.01952 884057, the workshop01746 783714, the office
By post
Print the order form (PDF) and post it to Sundials, Maw's Craft Centre, Jackfield, Telford, TF8 7LS. Cheques are payable to SUNDIALS.
In person
The workshop and showroom are at Maw's Craft Centre in Jackfield. Please telephone first, to be sure someone is on hand.

Others in this collection

The square Regency brass sundial lying on a pale stone slab, its engraved Roman numerals running around three edges and fine hour lines fanning across the plate, with a plain brass gnomon casting a shadow and two orange gerbera flowers behind it. Regency £200 to £220 The round Jacobean brass sundial seated on a pale stone plinth in a rockery, its slim brass gnomon throwing a shadow across the engraved hour lines and numerals, with yellow chrysanthemums and grasses growing behind. Jacobean £195 to £210 The Presentation sundial bedded into a rough stone block on a lawn, its darkened bronze-toned plate engraved with Roman numerals and hour lines inside a black rim, fitted with a decorative openwork brass gnomon that casts a shadow across the face. Presentation £225 to £255 The Umbra upright sundial standing on an octagonal stone pedestal in a garden, a tall black crescent moon holding a small round engraved brass dial with a long brass gnomon rod passing through its centre, with lawn and shrubs behind. Umbra £175

See all horizontal dials