Sundials by Robert Foster Commission a dial

Armillary spheres

A Draco armillary mounted on a Brympton pedestal.

Draco

Armillary sphere in all bronze

£375

A very impressive all-bronze armillary with an open Equatorial design which makes the time shadow easier to see on the raised Roman numerals. Draco is named after the northern constellation which partially surrounds the North Star, at which the gnomon should point. Toned to a rich antique patina.

The motto for this dial

The hour is but a shadow,
and the shadow walks in light

Size and weights

Overall width: 17 in. (430mm)£375Approx. 14 lbs (6.4 kgs)

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 armillary with the inscription set along the equator bandThe hour is but a shadow, and the shadow walks in light

Shown along the top facing side of the equator band, which is where Robert cuts it on the full globe armillaries.

One line, up to 68 characters (55 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 Draco 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 all-bronze Draco armillary, its open Equatorial design showing the raised Roman numerals.
Catalogue plate
A diagram of the method of fixing an armillary to the top of a pedestal.
Detail
A Draco armillary sitting on a brick plinth made from reclaimed material.
In place

How to order

Delivery
Robert charges £20.00 to deliver an armillary or wall 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.

Letters about the Draco

Written to Robert by the people who bought them. Published without names, as he has always kept them.

Dear Mr Foster

Thank you so much for getting the Draco sundial to me in time for the presentation yesterday. It is perfect and the recipient was absolutely delighted with your beautiful craftsmanship. Yours sincerely

Yours sincerely

Dear Robert

My Draco armillary arrived today, looks great, exactly what I was looking for. Will send you a photo once I get it installed on its plinth. Thanks for your help

Thanks for your help