The Corpus Clock: Cambridge’s Time-Eating Masterpiece

A Revolutionary Tribute to Time

The Corpus Clock stands as a unique fusion of art, science, and philosophy, mounted on the exterior of the Taylor Library at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. Conceived and funded by alumnus Dr John C. Taylor, this clock was unveiled in 2008 by the renowned physicist Stephen Hawking. Unlike traditional clocks, it eschews hands and numbers, instead displaying time through three concentric rings of blue LED lights that indicate hours, minutes, and seconds. Its gold-plated face, measuring 1.5 meters in diameter, ripples outward like waves, evoking cosmic imagery such as the Big Bang.

The Chronophage: Time’s Devouring Guardian

Atop the clock sits the Chronophage, a mechanical grasshopper whose name means “time-eater” in Greek. This eerie, spiky creature appears to consume each second as its mouth opens and closes, its legs crawling around the clock face. The Chronophage’s unsettling motion symbolizes the inevitability of time slipping away, reminding viewers of mortality and the fleeting nature of existence. The clock’s deliberately erratic behavior—speeding up, slowing down, and occasionally reversing—reflects the uneven experience of time in life.

Engineering Marvel and Artistic Statement

The Corpus Clock is entirely mechanical, powered by a complex escapement mechanism developed underwater at a secret Dutch military research institute. Its construction took seven years and cost approximately £1 million, involving around 200 people. Despite its avant-garde design, it maintains traditional horological craftsmanship, with no digital or electrical input except for powering the LED illumination. The clock also self-adjusts for British Summer Time and performs special programmed displays on significant dates such as John Taylor’s birthday and Corpus Christi Day.

Location and Cultural Significance

Situated on the corner of Trumpington Street and Bene’t Street, overlooking King’s Parade, the Corpus Clock is accessible at street level and visible to the public at all times. It is a modern icon within Cambridge’s historic cityscape, juxtaposing contemporary ingenuity with centuries-old architecture. The inscription beneath the clock, from the Latin Vulgate Bible, reads “mundus transit et concupiscentia eius” (“the world passeth away, and the lust thereof”), deepening its philosophical resonance.

Visitor Experience and Symbolism

Visitors often find themselves mesmerized by the clock’s hypnotic illumination and the unsettling presence of the Chronophage. It invites reflection on the passage of time, mortality, and the human condition. The clock’s unique design challenges conventional perceptions of timekeeping, making it a must-see for those interested in art, science, and history. Its location near other Cambridge landmarks makes it an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric.

Legacy and Recognition

Since its unveiling, the Corpus Clock has garnered international acclaim, named one of Time magazine’s best inventions of 2008. It stands as a testament to human creativity and the enduring quest to understand and represent time. As both a public artwork and a functional timepiece, it continues to captivate and provoke thought among scholars, tourists, and locals alike.