Canberra, Australia

The National Carillon

Australia

This 55 bell Taylor carillon, with a bass bell weighing over 6 tons, was the gift of the British Government to the people of Australia to mark the 50th Anniversary of the foundation of their National Capital in Canberra. The carillon was opened on 26th April 1970 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

A major refurbishment of the carillon is now to take place – the work will include a redesigning and rebuilding of the bell frame, giving a radial layout for a new transmission which will be designed and installed.  A new Taylor seasoned oak clavier has been commissioned, together with a new programmable touch sensitive electronic practice clavier.

Two extra bells are to be cast to complete the project – including a very small top treble bell.

  • Canberra's National Carillon Tower on Aspen Island.

    Canberra's National Carillon Tower on Aspen Island.

  • Paul Taylor (Bell Founder) is pictured on the right.

    Paul Taylor (Bell Founder) is pictured on the right.

  • The new clavier at an early stage of production.

    The new clavier at an early stage of production.

  • Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia - April 28, 2018: Morning sunlight hits the National Carillon, a gift from the British government to the people of Australia to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the national capital, Canberra. Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the National Carillon on 26 April 1970.

    Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia - April 28, 2018: Morning sunlight hits the National Carillon, a gift from the British government to the people of Australia to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the national capital, Canberra. Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the National Carillon on 26 April 1970.

  • Work manufacturing the practice clavier is underway.

    Work manufacturing the practice clavier is underway.

  • Foot pedals in production for the practice clavier.

    Foot pedals in production for the practice clavier.

  • Engineering Director Mike Semken is a real

    Engineering Director Mike Semken is a real "hands-on" man!

  • Mike Semken with his newly built touch sensitive practice clavier.

    Mike Semken with his newly built touch sensitive practice clavier.

  • Carillonneur Trevor Workman tried out the new instrument and was highly delighted.

    Carillonneur Trevor Workman tried out the new instrument and was highly delighted.

Update

  • Our chief design engineer has visited site and agreed the specification for this project. Design work on the modifications to be bell frame and transmission has been completed. The design work on the new claviers has been completed and approved, and construction will begin in the coming months once all the components have been manufactured.
    The missing bottom semi-tone bell, weighing more than 5 tons, has now been ordered as an addition to the original quotation, and this is now in production - details are given in a separate post.
    Production work is well underway with the casting of clappers and all transmission parts. The new clavier is in production.
    A shipping container was loaded today (9th October) with the clavier, bell frame and various components and set off on its journey to Australia.
    Installation in the tower is now complete.
    The new practice clavier is complete and will be shipped to Canberra.
    Our bell hanger is on site in Canberra dismantling the carillon before rebuilding commences.
    Work building the practice clavier has now been completed and it is ready for shipping to Canberra.