A quick glance skyward to check the time will have left them none the wiser as the iconic Town Hall clock currently has no hands.
Heritage buffs needn’t fear though - the four pairs of hands haven’t been stolen or replaced with a digital version but have been removed for repair and restoration.
They’re now in the expert care of clock specialists Smith of Derby who brought them inside the clock tower after removing the glass from the clock face.
The hands from the west (Albert Road) elevation will be replaced with new copper and brass replicas, while those from the other three faces will be restored and repaired as necessary.
Similar work was last undertaken in the mid-1990s.
The work – due for completion next month - is being chronicled by photographer Simon Hill and will feature in his book The North Revisited which will be published by Image & Reality Press in October.
Smith of Derby Works Manager Dean Allen said: “We are delighted to undertake the restoration of the clock at Middlesbrough Town Hall.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to combine our specialist clockmaking and rope-access expertise to carefully restore this historic timepiece and ensure it can continue to operate for many years to come.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “The Town Hall clock is one of the iconic features of the Middlesbrough skyline, and it’s vital we keep it in working condition.
“This repair work will ensure the town centre has a reliable timepiece for all to see for future generations.”
