The clock tower makes a comeback with its persistent ticking sound.
In the picturesque Saxon Switzerland region near Königstein, Thürmsdorf Castle is undergoing a significant transformation. The tower clock, which has been inactive for over four decades, is set to resume its function at its original location. This is all thanks to a meticulous restoration process funded by various donors, including local heritage foundations, government cultural agencies, private foundations, and a generous 3,000-euro donation from baker Andreas Böhme of Thürmsdorf.
The roof truss of the castle has been restored, and the clock faces and hands have been installed with the golden hands being a particularly notable addition, gilded with real gold leaf. The restoration of the clock faces and hands cost a total of 15,000 euros.
Sven-Erik Hitzer, the entrepreneurial owner of Thürmsdorf Castle, commented that the installation of the golden hands was a significant moment. A ceremony was recently held to mark this occasion. Ariane Bothe-Stadelmann, who was responsible for restoring the clock faces, expressed her delight at seeing the clock come back to life.
The restoration work is not complete, as further donors are being sought for the complete restoration of the tower clock. If you are interested in contributing to this unique cultural heritage project, here are some tips on how to identify and engage potential donors:
1. Research and list prospect organizations: Contact the Saxony Heritage Office (Landesamt für Denkmalpflege Sachsen), use the German Foundation Database (Stiftungsverzeichnis Sachsen), attend heritage preservation conferences and workshops, and connect with the German Castles Association (Deutscher Burgenvereinigung).
2. Develop a compelling case: Create a detailed dossier about the clock, its history, and restoration needs. Develop promotional materials such as brochures, videos, and virtual tours. Highlight the social, cultural, and economic benefits of restoration.
3. Outreach strategies: Send personalised letters and proposals to foundations and potential sponsors, launch media campaigns to raise public awareness and attract crowd-funding, offer sponsorship packages, and form partnerships with local schools, businesses, and cultural organisations.
4. Cultivate relationships: Acknowledge donors publicly, offer donor recognition, and report on project progress to maintain trust and transparency.
For up-to-date lists of donors or current campaigns for Thürmsdorf Castle’s tower clock, consider contacting the castle’s management or local municipality directly for official donor information, checking the castle’s or municipality’s website for press releases, annual reports, or donor thank-you pages, reviewing public records and regional news for announcements about restoration funding, and reaching out to organisations like the Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz to see if they are involved.
If you need help drafting letters, building a donor database, or creating a case statement for this project, please share more details about the castle’s location, historical significance, or the restoration team, and I can offer even more customised advice!
- The interior design of Thürmsdorf Castle is set to undergo changes, with the restoration of the tower clock serving as an integration of the historical lifestyle into the home and garden decor.
- As the restoration work on Thürmsdorf Castle's tower clock continues, it's a golden opportunity for those interested in lifestyle and home-and-garden enthusiasts to engage with the heritage preservation project, contributing to the revival of this significant piece of historical interior design.
