Obelisk

Rooted in antiquity, Obelisk’s clean and crisp architectural lines make it an instantly recognizable and powerful focal point. Obelisk is specifically positioned so that the length of the shadow at noon can be calculated and shown with markers set into the ground. These markers indicate the spring and autumn equinoxes, winter and summer solstices, and can also highlight birthdays or other significant dates.

Variations & finishes

1. Stainless Steel

Mirror-polished stainless steel.

2. Copper

Matures well and darkens over time.

3. Stainless Steel and Slate

Mirror-polished stainless steel and Welsh slate.

Our Obelisk sundial is available in three sizes.

Available standard size

Obelisk is available heights of 59 inches, 79 inches, and 118 inches. Larger sizes are available on request.

Available finishes

Copper, Stainless Steel, Stainless Steel and Welsh Slate.

Model Scale

59 inches, 79 inches, and 118 inches.
(Model scale: 71 inches)

Design details

Tall and slender, Obelisk is a vertical gnomon that dates back to man’s earliest examples of a clock. The shadow it casts on the ground allows the sun’s position to be measured. Elegant in its simplicity and, more importantly, reliable, it enabled ancient civilizations to tell the time. This is as true of an obelisk positioned in a sunny outdoor location today as it was in 3500BCE.

Astronomer-mathematicians in Ancient Egypt used the Obelisk’s daily sweep of shadow to inform us of seasonal progression, with the shadow expanding on the winter solstice and retracting on the summer solstice.

The Obelisk sculpture's noon shadow measures the progression of the seasons from the spring equinox to the winter solstice. A birth date or anniversary can equally be marked with a stainless-steel marker at noon.

Before they were used as outdoor structures or plant support frames, obelisks were historically used to demarcate important areas, such as the entrance to tombs or temples.

Obelisk can be engraved with a family crest, motto or design of your choosing.

Product information

A concrete pad foundation that is at least 16 inches deep and 8 inches greater than Obelisk’s base is provided by the client at its location. A base fixing plate is then resin-bolted to the concrete pad, and Obelisk is fixed to the base plate. Shipping quotes can be obtained and charged at cost.

Obelisk will exhibit some natural weathering with age but periodic cleaning at least once a year will help preserve its beauty (see question below for more details). Maintenance instructions will be issued on installation.

As with any quality product, some cleaning is required to keep your Obelisk looking its best. We recommend using warm water and a soft cloth to remove any surface detritus. Avoid abrasive materials or chemical products, as these will damage the stainless steel.

We use only high-quality stainless steel, a heavy-duty material that is incredibly durable and withstands weathering. A stainless-steel outdoor Obelisk also has a stunning reflective quality. Within the steel panels, landscaping can be reflected and distorted in playful ways.

Obelisks in an outdoor setting are usually horticultural structures used as climbing-plant supports for clematis and roses. But a David Harber Obelisk isn’t a plant trellis, it’s a striking, sculptural sundial. Historically, obelisk sundials have been used to indicate seasonal moments throughout the year or to signify areas of importance such as entrances to tombs or temples.