THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 23, 1995 TAG: 9502220151
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 20 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines
IT'S 12:10 2:55 - 8:40 - 12:05.
Would that be a.m. or p.m.?
If you aren't thoroughly confused by now, we can add more times. Richard P. Robinson has 120 timepieces in his Newport News home, so just look around and pick the hour.
``Only three clocks in the house run, of 20 that could,'' he said. ``Every clock has its own sound, its own personality.''
Robinson will bring about 30 of those sounds and personalities to the 12th annual Antique show and Sale, Saturday and Sunday, at the National Guard Armory in Suffolk.
He is among 25 exhibitors who will be happy to show you their wares, happier if you buy some of their wares.
``I've been into clocks for about seven years after I brought a couple out of the attic in my home,'' Robinson said. ``They belonged to my grandparents.''
He searched for parts for his finds ``and,'' he said, ``I began picking up enough spare parts. Now people come to me to make parts for their clocks.
``I just finished working on one grandfather clock, making levers, repairing gears and rebuilding the movement,'' Robinson said.
The clocks that require the most time the ones that really drive him coo-coo, are 400-day clocks and some cuckoo clocks.
``No matter what kind of an antique clock you have, it can be repaired,'' Robertson said. ``You just have to search for the parts. There are several reliable people in Hampton Roads who can do the job.''
Robinson can, but he views it as a combination hobby and business.
The business part came about three years ago.
``I work on about 16 clocks each month,'' said Robinson who, for eight years, has been teaching auto body repair and refinishing at P.D. Pruden Vo-Tech.
Otherwise, he spends his spare time visiting antique shows and auctions, and visiting dealers to make purchases.
``I'm fascinated with clocks,'' Robinson said. ``The kick is watching some come back to life.''
Other items on display at the Antique Show and Sale include furniture, jewelry, silver, glassware, china, tools and paintings.
Food and drink will also be sold - Brunswick stew, barbeque, hot dogs and homemade desserts. Door prizes will be given away each day.
The Antique Show and Sale is the primary fundraising event for the Suffolk Art League. Proceeds support educational programs in the schools and for the public, as well as exhibitions at the Suffolk Museum and community performances.
A members and exhibitors Sneak Preview will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday. The cost is $10 per couple. It includes admission to the regular shows Saturday and Sunday.
The event is presented by the Suffolk Art League and Suffolk Department of Parks & Recreation. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Richard Robinson repairs an antique clock in his spare time. He is
among 25 exhibitors who will show their wares at the 12th annual
Antique Show and Sale at the National Guard Armory in Suffolk this
weekend.
AT A GLANCE
WHAT: Antique Show and Sale
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: National Guard Armory, Godwin Boulevard
TICKETS: $3.
by CNB