A fourth commemorative plaque will be erected in Pittenweem in September to celebrate another of our renowned past residents. This one will be at the previous home of John Smith, internationally recognised designer, innovator, master craftsman and producer of extremely high-quality time pieces. One of John Smith’s longcase clocks with a moon phase dial is shown in this photo by Karen Lamond.

The plaque will be located at 19 High Street, Pittenweem – the site of John Smith’s home and workshop. It was here that he designed and made amazing mechanical clocks with complex automata, musical movements and tidal and astronomical projections. While his talents were widely recognised during his lifetime, since his death in 1814 his reputation has grown to international standing with works now prized in major public and private collections.

You can see a short film featuring John Smith’s work on the pedestal clock which is part of the Royal Collection. Further examples of his work are held in the National Museum of Scotland; the Royal Collection; Bowhill House, Selkirk; Manchester-by-the-Sea Museum in Massachusetts, USA; and locally at Fife Museums Collection Centre, Kellie Castle and Balcaskie House.

The blue plaque initiative and fund raising was commissioned and led by trustees of the Pittenweem Community Library, in line with our constitutional aims of preserving and promoting Pittenweem’s heritage. The project was supported by Pittenweem Community Council and the East Neuk of Fife Preservation Society.