• HEMISFERIUM

This hourglass is a reproduction of one dated from the 17th century, found in Castile, in Villafrechos (Valladolid), and whose maker is unknown.

Sand-glasses were used in Renaissance Europe to time arrival of citizens at civic functions. They accompanied professors to the classroom along with their books and manuscripts, and they marked the time for domestic prayers, until well into the 18th century.

Public speeches and sermons were the most notable events timed with them. This lasts approximately 15 minutes so why not give one as a present to your vicar?

• HEMISFERIUM

This clock is a nautical hourglass, probably from the 16th century, whose maker is unknown and which now can be found at the Naval Museum of Madrid. Its ampule lasts approximately 30 minutes.

The three places where hourglasses were put to most use were the workshop, the pulpit and ocean-going ships. Its most important role was in navigation. The sea-going clock or hourglass usually lasted for a half-hour. Use it to time a very large ostrich egg.