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MB&F M.A.D.Gallery

Stories Of Time

Florian Schlumpf: The man who merges art and time

by Hours and Minutes Australia
written by Hours and Minutes Australia

It takes true passion for time, art and mechanics to create what Swiss artisan and expert engineer, Florian Schlumpf creates…beautiful mechanical timepieces that fill the air with their harmonic sounds. Thanks to the MB&F M.A.D.Gallery, an installation of impressive kinetic art pieces designed and developed by Schlumpf himself, is on view.

“I was always fascinated by machines that generate a rhythm” Florian Schlumpf says. “A rhythm without time does not exist. A simple pendulum is such a machine: it fascinates by its movement, by its gentle sound. The slower the rhythm, the more soothing its impact is on our emotions.” The goal, therefore, is necessarily not to measure time, but to be more mindful and meditative of its passing”.

 

TM2 GOLD-PLATED

TM3 PAULINA BLACK SILVER

TM3 JOHANN BLACK GOLD

The collection

This curated collection of Time Machines encompasses the ideals of MB&F’s M.A.D.Gallery with horological and kinetic aspects sure to stimulate the senses. As an engineer and an artist with degrees in both fields, Schlumpf has been creating installations exploring time and space since 1980. The collection encompasses his vast experience.

Time machines

The Time Machines celebrate the traditional clock in a purely artistic manner. Each variation exposes the inner workings of the clock mechanism and places the motion of each gear, spring, and axle in the spotlight.

In addition to the skeletonized appearance, the Time Machines are hand-finished in eye-catching colour palettes of black, silver, copper, or gold, which enhance their modern architecture. Whether standing on its own or hanging on a wall, each kinetic sculpture transforms a space both visually and audibly.

The statuesque TM2 model, rooted on a disk shaped floor plate, stands more than two meters tall (6.5 feet), elongated by a steel frame bringing its total weight to an impressive 80 kg. This dominant vertical structure features a timing mechanism consisting of four pairs of gears and an escape wheel measuring an incredible 500 mm in diameter. The meditative swing of the TM2’s pendulum remains in operation for a week without a fresh injection of energy.
The TM3, smaller in size, runs for eight days driven by double spiral springs and axles supported by ball bearings with non contact seals to reduce friction. This piece also incorporates patent pending anchor arms built with spring loaded technology providing smooth, almost silent operation requiring minimal energy. The suspension system transforms the kinetic energy of the movement to the spring so that very little power is wasted. Due to its light aluminium structure, TM3 weighs only 10 kg while measuring 1.3 meters (4.25 feet / model “Kaspar”) or 1.8 meters (6 feet / model “Johann”). It can also be mounted on a wall or display as a standing art piece.
The dynamic Wall Machine by Schlumpf creates a dramatic visual into the universe of time by virtue of its size. Measuring approximately 2.1 x 2.2 meters (6.9 x 7.2 feet), the bold, black filigree frame houses black and golden anodized gears contrasting with a mirror polished golden pendulum disk and hands. A striking component is the large 1.8 meter (5.9 feet) orbital drive. An anchor beam rotating a round the central anchor wheel provides constant movement. Although the isochronal sounds of the clock are alluring, the escapement uses spring like anchor pallets, which produce smooth, virtually silent, transitions. These models feature hands indicating seconds, minutes, hours, and day of week. Sit back, watch the mesmerizing movement, listen to the sound of the pendulum, and contemplate the passing of time.

Each kinetic sculpture provides an opportunity to perceive time by more than just marking the passage of hours, minutes, and seconds. A patient observer can digest unhurried intervals of time by focusing on the sound and motion of the animated clocks.

 

Wall machine 2

If you dare…

There is one piece which is the purest expression of this concept. It’s a Time Machine that offers no time indication at all. One can indeed relax to the endless ticks and tocks of time passing.

Process…

“I’m convinced that a good design is generated by perfect function. Function gives design,” says Schlumpf. “Design is not an overcoat for a functional body.” An idea becomes a reality through swift and proven process, thanks to a well appointed workshop and a skilled team located in the quaint Swiss town of Trimmis. To begin, every Time Machine undergoes an experimental trial to test its technical integrity; it needs to be deemed reliable and dependable for an unlimited life expectancy. Schlumpf explains his reasoning for this step, “I have the choice to make calculations over and over, however I personally prefer to use testing, making prototypes that offer quick monitoring of results under real conditions,” explains Schlumpf. “For me, intuition combined with experience is often a better counsellor than the results of a long calculation process.”
The second step is to measure out the area that the kinetic sculpture would occupy, whether large or small, which is often combined with an additional test. The final prototype is then assembled by hand with parts manufactured in house or purchased through suppliers. After finishing the construction of a first unit, a test run begins; and lasts several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of new components. Once the test results meet Schlumpf’s strict standards, the Time Machine is approved and ready for production at the manufacture. Ironically, through the course of development there seems to be only one hurdle for Schlumpf: time.

Florian Schlumpf holds that “Good design is generated by perfect function. Function gives design. Design is not an overcoat for a functional body,”

His work clearly demonstrates that!

 

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