Automata Maker and illustrator Sophie Naylor takes inspiration from British culture, historical inventions, gadgetry, contraptions, and nostalgic eras. She likes to depict ‘Britishness’ in an eccentric, quirky, humorous context. This limited edition piece, Man’s Best Friend, is was available to buy from Sophie. H: 20cm W:17.5cm D: 10.5cm Sophie has also created a wonderful marble-run […]
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Night 32 – Karakuri Models by Keisuke Saka
Karakuri: How to Make Mechanical Paper Models That Move by Keisuke Saka is now available. Keisuke Saka is one of Japan’s most honoured paper engineers. His beautiful designs are thoughtful with only a few moving parts, yet producing elegant movement. This book makes a great gift. It includes these two; ‘Teeter Totter’ (an adorable robot […]
Night 31 – Love is Blind by Keith Newstead
This evening we have a new piece by Keith Newstead, a re-working of the classic piece, ‘Love is Blind’. This lovely cut brass Cupid has a removable blindfold, and has strewn his arrows around hoping for the right target. The perfect Valentines gift . Available to order now for delivery in January 2011. Height 22cm […]
Night 30 – Rob Higgs Chain Reaction Machine
Contraption maker extraordinaire Rob Higgs has built a chain reaction machine for the Kneehigh Theatre’s production of Hansel and Gretel at the Southbank Centre, London. Performances are 16th December to 2nd January 2011. Rob appeared on BBC TV this week with a specially designed machine for Blue Peter. It was available to watch on […]
Night 29 – Bird Man by Carlos Zapata
Carlos Zapata has been exploring the idea of Carnival further. He is making a series of small figures inspired by the colourful costumes and characters found in a typical South American carnival. The first in the series is ‘Birdman’ which has a beautiful fluttering wing action. 21 cm High (8 Inches) £150 Sold.
Night 28 – The Invention of Hugo Cabret signed editions
There is a year to go until the official launch of the latest Martin Scorsese movie, ‘The Invention of Hugo Cabret’ (edit: renamed as just Hugo). This is the first time that Scorsese has produced a film for children, and also his first 3D film. Here’s a link to a Guardian interview with Mr Scorsese. […]
Night 27 – Decisions Decisions by Fi Henshall
This evening we have another of Fi Henshall’s lovely pieces. This is a one-off piece, a beautiful bird is getting ready to go to a party. She has the difficult choice of deciding which beak to put wear, and there is a whole selection strewn around the room to choose from. This may be the […]
Night 25 – Party Popper by Martin Smith
The Party Popper Machine by Martin Smith continues his theme of devices of celebration for Laikingland. In homage to the humble plastic party toy and to follow his interest in loud bangs, Smith has developed a nonsense machine that elaborately assists you in the firing of party poppers. First shown in April 2010 at Ventura […]
Night 24 – Fallen Angel by Dora Newstead-Bunce
This evening we are delighted to introduce Keith Newstead’s teenage daughter Dora, who has become an enthusiastic automata maker. The one-off ‘Fallen Angel’ has a steampunk style, and a great movement. The piece is 40 cm (16 inches high) – Sold. Dora sold her first piece of automata ‘Torture with Wings’, a fabulous surrealist work, […]
Night 22 – The Devil Rides Out by Keith Newstead
This evening we have a new piece by Keith Newstead. Over 160 hours went into the making of this devilish new one-off design. You can more about the construction of the piece on Keith’s website here. Keith has used a combination of found objects and hand made parts in this fearsome steampunk style vehicle. The […]