Hi Jackie,
That sounds an interesting project.
To answer your question about what sort of sundial a hard-up doctor might have
had in 1613, I think the most likely type would have been a pocket dial, either
a small round wooden one like those found on the Mary Rose (there are modern
replicas that could be used as a prop) or an ivory diptych one.
If he had a garden horizontal, the likelihood is that it would be a small,
square horizontal one. Wall sundials weren't usually found on private houses at
that time, except for the rich - see the reconstruction of the Stutton Hall one
in the BSS Bulletin a couple of years ago.
If you stretch a point and do have a wall dial, it will be quite difficult to
illuminate it so that the shadow is visible. The main illumination would need
to come from a powerful spotlight which changed its position to simulate
different times (or even dates). A practical solution would be to have a series
of spotlights appropriately placed. The other requirement would be that any
other light falling on the dial (as general background illumination) was
minimised.
Good luck!
John
------------------------------------------------
Dr J Davis
Flowton Dials http://www.flowton-dials.co.uk/
BSS Editor http://www.sundialsoc.org.uk/bulletin.php
________________________________
From: Jackie Jones <jac...@waitrose.com>
To: Sundial Mailing List <sundial@uni-koeln.de>
Sent: Wednesday, 2 April 2014, 17:12
Subject: Theatrical sundial
Dear All,
I am involved with a local theatre in the production of a play which takes
place in 1613 in the herb garden of a doctor in Stratford on Avon. I am
suggesting to the producer and set designer that a sundial may be a good idea
either on the house wall or on a pedestal in the garden. But before I get too
deep into ideas, could you please confirm that this is correct and what sort
of sundial would a country doctor who is not very wealthy have?
If a dial is on the house wall, I would like to suggest that, if the lighting
can be arranged, for the shadow to move to show the passing of the day from one
scene to another. Does anyone know if this has been done on stage before?
The production is not until June, but we have just started the designs and
rehearsals.
With best wishes,
Jackie
Jackie Jones
50° 50’ 09” N 0° 07’ 40” W
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