How to Make a Ratchet Mechanism A ratchet can be a very useful mechanism within an automaton. It can be used to keep the handle from being turned the wrong way or to divide the cycle of action into a series of small steps. This is one way to extend the duration of the performance. […]
Archives for June 2013
Le Clown sans Tête by Pierre Mayer
A new edition from French artist Pierre Mayer. Pierre, a magician and engineer, has been making beautiful limited edition magic themed automata for over 10 years. This latest piece is inspired by the original antique automata by Phalibois. The colourful clown amuses us by relocating his head to his box on the stage. Height 27 […]
Amazing Automata Tour
20 of our favourite pieces are now on tour in the UK. Come along this summer and have fun bringing the pieces to life at the touch of a button. There are lots of classics, such as Paul Spooner’s The Barecats, The Spaghetti Eater, Peter Markey’s Piano Player and Keith Newstead’s Ski-ing Dog. Alternative Technology […]
A Goat in the Park
Kimberley Park in Falmouth, Cornwall, now has three amazing outdoor automata by makers Paul Spooner, Keith Newstead and Rob Higgs – all who live locally. Paul Spooner gives us more on the background of his kicking goat design.
Rowing Man by Richard Hackney
We are delighted to introduce the work of automata maker Richard Hackney. You can find out more about Richard and his work in this video. We have two only of Richards beautiful Rowing Man automata, which are made from recycled metals. Turn the handle, which is a reclaimed plumbing part, and the metal man rows through […]