One of, and if not, Dartmouth’s oldest working residents (a mere 87) is Mr Attree from Lloyd Attree, who has just celebrated 60 years of business in Dartmouth. He kindly invited By The Dart into his hallowed workshop at the back of the shop to the sound of ticks and chimes of the many clocks which adorn the walls.
Does your family come from Dartmouth ?
I was born in North Devon. My family is related to the Lloyd Attree & Smith silk importers. I worked in Barnstaple and after marrying and seeing my brother move to Kingsbridge we moved to Dartmouth in 1954. We started a business in Newcomen Road, where we still live and then moved to this premises in 1987.
Did you always want to be a clockmaker?
I wanted to be a racing driver and my father didn’t think that mending motor cars would be very successful so he got me a job with the watchmaker in Yeovil when I was 16. I’ve been one ever since. I like the job and it’s suited me. It’s my life.
Where did you train?
I started my training as a clockmaker and watchmaker in Yeovil in 1940 with a jeweller who’d fled Jersey during the war. After finishing my 7 years training in London and after conscription I returned to Barnstaple for further experience.
Has the job/business changed much?
There’s not so many of us (clockmakers) around anymore. Times have changed and things have changed – its easier and cheaper to replace parts rather than mend them and I don’t do so much practical work making bits and pieces. In times gone by we had to make everything but now many of the replacement parts and movements are mass-produced in China.
Things don’t need so much servicing now but a lot of people prize their watch and clocks and a good mechanical watch will always need servicing.
Your most important piece of equipment?
Watchmaker’s loop – I wear that most of the day and without it I’m lost! (I also spotted the vital upturned wine glasses protecting small bits of mechanics and watches from the dust and dirt).
How many clocks here in the workshop?
A lot, mostly ones belonging to other people. There’s always another one that needs mending.
What’s the most interesting item you have worked on?
I have worked on a number of chronometers – not long ago I sold a pocket-watch chronometer at auction which had been first made for the Duke of Sussex.
Favourite watch/clock?
Anything of good quality
What’s your favourite bit of Dartmouth?
The River and Slapton – the view of the Ley and that length of road takes a lot of beating. Dartmouth’s been a wonderful place for me and I’ve made a good living.
Your ambition?
My great ambition is to get rid of the pile on my desk!
Will you retire?
Hopefully soon.
First published By The Dart magazine July 2015
