A vertical sundial is an enduring expression of time, crafted not for urgency, but for contemplation. Rooted in centuries of horological tradition, Border Sundials wall dials transform sunlight into a refined architectural feature that brings meaning, order, and quiet distinction to any exterior setting.
Designed to be mounted on façades, garden walls, and courtyards, each sundial functions as both a precise scientific instrument and a work of enduring design. Free from electronics or maintenance, Vertical sundials are elegant reminders that the most reliable measure of time remains unchanged.
Capel handcrafts every wall sundial, calibrating it to its specific location, accounting for latitude and wall orientation to ensure accurate solar time throughout the year. South-, east-, and west-facing walls are all accommodated with meticulous precision, resulting in a piece that is as technically exacting as it is visually harmonious.
Beyond its function, a Vertical sundial conveys permanence. It enhances architectural composition, lends historical gravitas to modern and classical buildings alike, and invites a slower, more considered engagement with time. As light shifts through the day and seasons, the dial becomes a living element of the structure it adorns.
Our collection is crafted from premium, weather-resistant materials selected for longevity and patina. Finishes are understated yet distinguished, designed to complement stone, brick, and rendered surfaces without intrusion. Each piece is made to endure for generations, aging with quiet dignity.
Ideal for private residences, heritage properties, gardens, academic institutions, and civic spaces, a vertical sundial is more than an ornament. It is a statement of taste, intellect, and restraint—a timeless addition for those who value craftsmanship, tradition, and the measured passage of time.Vertical sundials are all totally individual and have a guide price from £2,250 depending on the size, material and amount of decoration and gold leaf. Please contact us to discuss your project.
All prices include all engraving and delivery within the UK. I do not usually charge for a site visit, however, occasionally, if you are very far away, or if you need a visit at a specific time, I may charge an upfront fee to cover my time out of the workshop. This fee would normally be refundable against your commission of an armillary or vertical sundial.
Installation: £350 + 30p per mile
Timeless elegance – Vertical sundials crafted for contemplation, not haste.
- Precision design – Wall sundials function as both a scientific instrument and architectural feature.
- Custom calibrated – for accuracy to your wall’s orientation and latitude.
- Enduring presence – A vertical sundial enhances façades with lasting gravitas and seasonal charm.
- Premium materials – All of Border Sundials materials are Weather-resistant, patinated finishes for generations of beauty.
- Statement of taste – A sophisticated addition for homes, gardens, and civic spaces.
