Gastown Steamclock

The Gastown Steam Clock was designed and built by Ray Saunders in 1977. Located in Vancouver's historic neighbourhood of the same name, the steam clock is one of the city's most popular attractions. Every day tourists spill out of sightseeing buses, cameras flashing as the steam clock belches steam and hoots out the famous Westminster chimes "Big Ben" theme.

The steam clock's outer case is made of 1/4 inch thick cast bronze and weighs over 2,300 pounds. Four glass panels allow the observer to view the mechanism. The clock's four dials, illuminated at night, are highlighted by enameled copper dogwood flower spandrels. The dials are surrounded by a 24 carat gold-plated frame. Four bronze plaques outline the history of Gastown and how the clock works.

Much admired, the Gastown Steam Clock has inspired other cities around the world to commission Ray to build steam clocks.

INTERESTING FACTS

On the 25th birthday of the Gastown Steam Clock, Sept. 24th, 2002:

The clock has entertained over 750 million visitors over the past 25 years
an estimated 560 million have taken photographs.
The steam whistles have played the Westminster chimes 616,420 times