The Society of Cambridge Tourist Guides, which gives tourists an insight into the very best aspects of the city, writes:
Earlier this month, we organised and attended a special talk from Dr John C Taylor OBE at the McCrum Lecture Theatre in Corpus Christi College. It was a fascinating evening to learn and discover more about a world-renowned inventor, curator and aviation specialist who has had such an impact on the city of Cambridge. It was brilliant to hear so many people ask intriguing questions about his work and life, which is music to our ears as tour guides.
Having the latest addition to the Chronophage clock family, the Midsummer Chronophage, located close by in Lion Yard Arcade Shopping Centre shows the importance of Dr John C Taylor OBE’s work and life to the people of Cambridge. The clock has attracted a lot of attention since its arrival on the summer solstice and will be present in the middle of the shopping mall until the end of British summertime on October 27, 2019.
Tour guide Kirsten Martin said, “We’ve had a really big group of guides from the Society of Cambridge Tourist Guides attend the event, with both green and blue badge guides. We came for a lecture given by Dr John C Taylor OBE and left fascinated. He spoke to us about his collection of Chronophage clocks and also a man who is a great hero of his, John Harrison.
“The original Chronophage clock, called the Corpus Chronophage has been on display outside Corpus Christi College for over ten years. It is, by far, the most photographed point-of-interest in Cambridge. All of our tourists, travellers, visitors, conference attendees and language students who come to the city love this clock. They are drawn to it like moths to a flame, and as tourists guides, we love talking about it, explaining the stories behind these wonderful inventions, such as time being eaten up by the Chronophage creatures.
“We always feel like we know a lot about this clock, but it’s always lovely to hear more about it. The lecture given by Dr John C Taylor OBE was a really enjoyable and informative evening for us all.”
Find out more about the work and life of Dr John C Taylor OBE
Watch a recap of Dr Taylor’s talk at the McCrum Lecture Theatre