Guernsey’s ninth blue plaque recognises ‘genius’ clockmaker

Nicolas Blondel (1703-1775) was hailed as a ‘genius in his field’ as the Bailiff Sir Richard Collas unveiled the plaque in Cornet Street in recognition of his contribution to the Bailiwick and the wider world.

Mr Blondel was the first established clockmaker in the Channel Islands.

His greatest accomplishment came in 1762, just after the change from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar, when he made a clock which enabled the owner to calculate the date of Easter.

This feature is unknown in any other 18th- or 19th-century clock.

‘Clearly he was a genius in his field,’ said Sir Richard as he unveiled the plaque, which has been positioned where Mr Blondel’s former residence – 43 Cornet Street – used to stand before the house was pulled down when the road was widened.

Mr Blondel was put forward for the award by Geoff Dorey, who owns one of Mr Blondel’s clocks.

After purchasing it at auction, he realised what an ‘extraordinary’ craftsman he was.

‘I started researching his life and work and eventually I would like to write a book about it,’ said Mr Dorey.

Sir Richard said the blue plaque scheme had recognised people ‘from many different fields of life’.

He thanked Mr Dorey for nominating and sponsoring Mr Blondel’s plaque.

Mr Blondel opened a metal working business in his early twenties and records show that by 1727 he was living in Cornet Street.

The following year he married a Jersey girl, Elizabeth Ste. Croix.

They shared their dwelling with Captain Andre Naftel and his family.

Around this time a French clockmaker, Jean Poppelston, arrived in Guernsey and taught Nicolas Blondel the skill of clock making.

During the course of the next 45 years, Mr Blondel produced about 300 clocks.

Following his death the clock-making business was continued by his Naftel grandsons.

• The blue plaque scheme, which was first launched in 2008, recognises islanders who have made an important contribution to the Bailiwick and the wider world.