In pictures: Toronto's Old City Hall clock tower
Globe and Mail photojournalist Deborah Baic offers a glimpse behind the walls of Toronto's Old City Hall clock tower
When Toronto built its city hall in 1899, it was among the largest civic builldings in North America. Today it is a courthouse, and the bell tower clock still runs.DEBORAH BAIC
There are over 200 steps on the way up the shaft.DEBORAH BAIC
John Scott, a horologist and titinnabulator with Scotiabell, lubricates the bell mechanisms.Deborah Baic/The Globe and Mail
John Scott, a horologist and titinnabulator with Scotiabell, examines the "movement" that makes the clock run.Deborah Baic/The Globe and Mail
The clock faces sit in the open air, though the movement is glassed in.Deborah Baic/The Globe and Mail
The Gillett and Johnston clock has run nearly continuously since it was installed in1900.Deborah Baic/The Globe and Mail
There are only four movements of this type still working.Deborah Baic/The Globe and Mail
Maintaining the movement demands slow, patient work from Mr. Scott.Deborah Baic/The Globe and Mail
The clock has three separate mechanisms: the quarter striking train, which sounds the bells at the quarter hour; the going train, for the hand movements of the clock; and the striking train for the hourly bell ringing.Deborah Baic/The Globe and Mail
The historic clock installation uses a unique remontoire movement, which moves the hands every thirty seconds.Deborah Baic/The Globe and Mail
Mr. Scott describes the clockworks as "a kinetic artwork."Deborah Baic/The Globe and Mail
“I come up here and I feel energized for the rest of the day," Mr. Scott says.Deborah Baic/The Globe and Mail
Mr. Scott takes in the view towards the new City Hall.Deborah Baic/The Globe and Mail