Comments on: John Claridge At Whitechapel Bell Foundry

By: john Allan

john Allan — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 13:29:25 +0000

Yes i visited the Foundry in 1999 to see our new bells being cast. These were being made to replace some older bells c1893 that were too heavy for our tower (they have gone to Grace Church s.Caroline USA.
Our bells are very good and are easy to ring.

Many thanks from Whitechapel foundry .

the website is our Church one

By: Jo Turner

Jo Turner — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 17:24:39 +0000

Fascinating post… Wonderful photos! Have always loved the sound of churchbells and other tower bells. Such a long lineage of the art and business of bell-making at Whitechapel Bell Foundry… Very interesting to hear Mr. Hughes’ observations of how things have changed, in the East End, and within his chosen field. Also somehow reaasuring that certain aspects, such as the incredibly extended trajectory of bell projects, along with, no doubt, the irrefutable quality of his creations, remain. Would love to visit this foundary, and shall check on it, in hopes of just that, this summer. Thanks again. Love your work : )

By: jennnnnn

jennnnnn — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 21:41:36 +0000

You can still tour the Whitechapel Bell Foundry today, but you need to book in advance. I worked near it a couple of years ago for over two years and visited it in March 2014. http://jenikya.com/blog/2014/04/whitechapel-bell-foundry.html

By: pauline taylor

pauline taylor — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 18:48:57 +0000

I enjoyed reading about this man and his business, he sounds modest, and I like that. Long may it all continue.

By: Judith McManis

Judith McManis — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 18:31:47 +0000

I had the pleasure of visiting the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 1998 where (along with my now-late husband) we met Alan Hughes as we ‘toured’ this amazing facility while Alan spoke to our little group about what had been going on there for so long. My early music group had just ordered a little set of Whitechapel’s Medieval Handbells. My husband, pipe organ builder, Charles McManis, had been interested in the effect of sound on the human soul all his life. Although created in decidedly different ways, the sounds of both organ pipes and bells stir something within us that is etherial at least and often deeply spiritual and holy. Whether mournful, celebratory or patriotic, if bells could tell their own stories (and many have information cast right into them), the history, ambitions and dreams of nations becomes palpable. It’s worth the effort to climb up into bell-towers to read about it! Thanks so much for the article. I’m a new subscriber to the blog and always look forward to what’s coming next!

By: Helen Breen

Helen Breen — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 12:37:25 +0000

GA, another fascinating article. Interesting how the “bell business” runs counter to the economy.
Great pictures too …

By: Udayan Paul

Udayan Paul — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 11:58:40 +0000

interesting to read

By: Caroline Murray

Caroline Murray — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 10:22:30 +0000

Amazing photographs – especially the bell ‘jelly moulds’!

By: John Barrett

John Barrett — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 08:10:28 +0000

When I was in the RAF one of my buddies worked in this bell foundry prior to his call-up. He must have been an apprentice. I often wondered what this foundry was like, your big blog was just right thanks. Bell founder’s ‘promise’ to keep making your church bells they are music in our ears. In a way you are providing a public service. John

By: Valerie-Jael

Valerie-Jael — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 06:33:04 +0000

How wonderful to be able to visit the foundry! Valerie