Restoring the Grand Orrery - Short Documentary

This short film highlights the restoration of this unique Orrery from Dumfries House. The decision was made to bring this wonderful piece back to its original condition. Michael Bennett-Levy from Early Technology was tasked with this once in a lifetime opportunity.

[FKreider]

RIP Mr. Bennett-Levy - it is very nice that you were captured here in this short film performing your "magnum opus" of restoration work.

[laughingachilles]

"If I was wealthy I would have done it for nothing"

This attitude has produced some of the greatest artisans and scientists in history.

[dougmacqueen]

And here I have always enjoyed refitting the mixed up screws as the most fun.

[hlygrail]

"So if you just take out 14 bolts, for example, and just throw them down, well 14! gives you 87 billion combinations." Tip of the day: Keep REALLY GOOD TRACK of which bolt goes where, lol!

[PacoOtis]

Wow! Such a professional person! This video is a pleasure to view. Thanks for posting it.

[campbellmorrison]

Gorgeous, what a challenge, you did yourself proud Sir.

[EyeLean]

This video REALLY ought to have shown more of the restored, moving orrery in full. Honestly, filmmaking 101.

[micio]

A charming, wonderful video. Thank you.

[BuildYourOwnWatch]

Superb video, thank you! It is wonderful to hear from the restorer and some of the difficulties faced in restoring the Grand Orrery.

[edwinmiller]

What a phenomenal undertaking as well as a ingenious machine, enjoyed your video

[dancingnature]

They had one on the ceiling of the Museum of Natural History in NYC. I remember it still worked when I was a child but it’s been off for decades and they don’t even point it out any longer. I wish they would fix it.

[carronalee]

Joe Sugg’s vlog of his visit to Dumfries House sent me

[capoeirastronaut]

Christie's listed I think that orrery, as expected to fetch £80-120k in 2007. Seems like a bargain to me.

[russbentley]

The only thing we don't see in this lovely video is a good long look at the the thing bloody well working. So, at the end I am left waiting for what I am not gpong to get.

[keithmallory]

Do you entertain Gilgamesh with orrey?

[jewman]

I’m getting rooms in the Tower of Pisa. I hear the rooms level off every 24 hours. As the world turns

[EbonCollins]

Make one work. I bet you can’t keep time no matter what you do.