AN ORNATE automaton clock will come alive again for the first time in years.

The intricate 18th Century mechanical piece will ‘perform’ twice a week in its new home at York Art Gallery, where it will be displayed in the Burton Gallery after moving from York Castle Museum.

Assistant curator Fiona Green said: “This is a truly stunning clock which is a joy to watch.

“The skill and design needed to make such a piece is quite incredible, and we are delighted to have it in full working

order here at the gallery for the public to enjoy.”

The clock chimes every quarter of an hour and features 26 figures moving around a waterfall made of revolving glass-rods.

It was given to York Castle Museum in 1974 by Edward Lamb, but its maker remains a mystery. It has previously been attributed to jeweller James Cox.

You can see the clock in action on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2pm.