Memories of Empire?

This clock surrounded by colourful carvings is in a shopping centre in Ipswich (UK). I have no idea what the animals and other toy-like characters are meant to represent but with all the flags put up for the jubilee I was reminded of the public exuberance of the Empire era which was still alive, though nearing its end, in my childhood.

[Ramesh Chand]

This is stunning shot....I like decorations.......with clock 1.45 p.m.

[Dixie Goode]

I have never been to the UK or have memories of Empire but the old style tin toys and cast iron mechanical banks of my moms childhood were still there in my grandmothers house for me to play with and this reminds me of them

[Hazel]

Shopping centre -snap - I put my pic up just after yours - but you have more character in your pic!

[Ann Stenson]

Great patriotic shot!.....Was trying to work out what the characters around the clock represent.....But they are a bit too random!! : ]

[GPix]

Great patriotic shop, maybe for a fading era. Like where you have put your logo

[Shirley Chetwynd]

What a wonderful display.

[Arthur Loosley]

@annbo ... Thank you Ann; that was my problem too, but I think Dixie ( @pandorasecho ) made a good point.

[Henry Tomsett]

What a super fantastical clock surround. I remember school parades on Empire day as the sun set on that institution.

[Danny G.]

Lovely capture!

[Linda]

Great capture! That is a wonderful, interesting clock!

[Alison Bailey]

What a fun. colourful and interesting shot!
What happens when the hour strikes, Arthur? I'm guessing that the kangaroo's bell rings but do the other figures do anything too?

[Arthur Loosley]

@dulciknit . . . good question Alison, I've never seen or heard it but I'll try to get there on the hour some time.

[Alison Bailey]

@wordpixman I'd be very interested to know the answer if you do' please. Automata fascinate me.

[carol white]

Great capture,I can still remember" Empire Day",when I was at school !! That really dates me!!

[Jane Hyde]

interesting collection of animals

[Sue Wilde]

Great sight, but odd

[Robin]

They look like nursery characters to me: Puss in Boots, etc. Very odd but very attractive.

[michelle mcintyre]

Lovely capture - l thought at first the animals might represent other countries in the commonwealth, but they look more like nursery rhyme characters!!

[Joyce Wells]

Very unusual animals, Arthur - they look like something from "Alice in Wonderland"! There must be flags up all over England with the Jubilee, Wimbledon, and the Olympics!