Eight of the best sundials for your garden
Elegant sundials that chart the movement of the sun as it crosses the sky, selected by Amelia Thorpe.


Statement piece
With a diameter of 62cm (24½in), the large Astronomic polished brass spherical armillary, £800, is impressive, from British Ironwork Centre 0800 688 8386; www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk
Site specific
Artist Tim Chalk creates bespoke sundials, such as this cast-iron Penannular Brooch design, mounted on an old agricultural grinding wheel. Prices from £2,000, Chalk Works. www.chalkworks.com
On a pedestal
Handmade in Kent, the Obelisk Needle pedestal, £342, makes a striking focal point, topped with an armillary, from a selection, from £288, Chilstone. 01892 740866; www.chilstone.com
On the wall
This vertical sundial is a bespoke design by David Harber, available in riven or smooth slate, prices from £13,311. 01235 859300; www.davidharber.co.uk
Time piece
This traditional inscribed large Brass sundial and Gnomon, £299, is made exclusively for Haddonstone. 01604 770711; www.haddonstone.com
Piece of history
Cast in plaster from the Elizabethan carving at the Tower of London, the Hew Draper graffito tablet, £365, is incised with signs of the zodiac for the casting of horoscopes, from Lassco. 01844 277188; www.lassco.co.uk
Five rings
The Armillary Sphere sundial, £595, is made in England from solid wrought iron and hand painted, distressed and oxidised for an aged patina, from Ornamenti by Lapicida. 01423 400100; www.ornamenti.co.uk
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
It’s a classic
This Classic Horizontal octagonal sundial, from £225, is made from 3mm brass plate by Robert Foster, and can be personalised with an inscription if desired. 01746 783714; www.sundialsbyrobertfoster.co.uk
Amelia Thorpe is a design and interiors journalist and regular contributor to Country Life. She spent the first half of her career book publishing, before jumping the fence to become a writer — a role that she adores. Amelia lives in London with her husband and two roguish dogs.
-
The century-old enamelling technique used to create Van Cleef's lucky ladybird brooch — which has something in common with Country Life
The technique used in the jeweller's Geneva workshop has been put to good use in its latest creation.
By Hetty Lintell Published
-
‘The best sleep in the sky’: What it’s like to fly in United’s Polaris cabin, approved by American icon Martha Stewart
United’s Business Class cabin goes by the name Polaris and Martha Stewart is a fan. So, how does it fare?
By Rosie Paterson Published