This is a small version of Heart Machine, an alarming little machine to demand the attention of the one you love. Available in vibrant red or shiny brass. Martin Smith makes kinetic devices that investigate themes of humour, nonsense and futility. He originally designed and made the Heart Beater as a St Valentines Day gift […]
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How to Make a Ratchet Mechanism – Dug’s Tips 11
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. […]
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 […]
New Automata
Four new pieces of automata have been added to the shop today. A new edition of Fingers by Nik Ramage, a mustache portrait by new artist Gary Schott & two new flying steampunk pieces by Keith Newstead. Click the thumbnails below for more details. Wiggly Mustache Portrait by Gary Schott Fingers Mk III by Nik […]
Magical Mechanicals
The Mechanicals Exhibition will be visiting the Unicorn Theatre in London this summer. Come along and see our fabulous automata, and learn more about how they work with this interactive exhibition. The exhibition is in the Clore Studio, and coincides with a new theatre production, Lionboy from the award-winning theatre company Complicite. 9th July to […]
Young Rooster 2013 by Carlos Zapata
A new edition in Carlos’ series of Rooster and Chicken automata. These vibrant works are evocative of Carlos’ native Colombia. This one has a great pecking action, as he bends right down to the floor to peck some food. Wood, paint, metal. Height: 20 cm SOLD
Invisible and Alone
Originally featured in CMT News Issue 3 (Aug 1988), this Fourteen Balls Toy Co (Paul Spooner/Matt Smith design) piece was made as a limited edition of 30. A cup of coffee and a couple of bourbon biscuits seem to be alone. Turn the handle and the coffee is stirred by the invisible operator. A simple […]