The sundial is one of man's oldest astronomical instruments.
In this particular form, known as an Equinoctial Sundial, the dial is in the same plane as the Earth's equator and the gnomon, or rod, is parallel to the axis of the Earth pointing true north.
The shadow of the gnomon moving across the dial indicates the time. In summer the shadow falls on the face of the dial, in winter on the inner edge.
Due to a combination of the tilt of the Earth's axis and the varying speed of the Earth's progress on its elliptical path around the sun, the time indicated differs by several minutes from the time shown by a clock which measures mean time.
The table below shows how many minutes to add/subtract, depending on the time of year.
The 'Timepiece Sundial' was designed by sculptor Wendy Ann Taylor to a commission by Strand Hotels Limited, in March 1973.
Wendy Ann Taylor, who was made a CBE in 1988, was one of the first artists of her generation to take art out of the galleries and onto the streets.
The sundial is Grade II listed.
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