We are very sad to announce that Keith Newstead passed away this weekend (Nov. 7/8) at the age of 64. Keith was a dear friend and exceptionally talented maker. He will be very sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
Update, 14 December: an obituary in The Guardian.
Photo credit: Steve Tanner
Keith. A great artist. A huge loss. Big love.
I am very surprised and disappointed to hear his news. I think he was one of the representative automata artist of this era. We were proud to introduce his work in Japan. R.I.P
Dear Manabu-san, Thank you for your kind words. Keith really enjoyed his trip to Japan in the 1990’s. All the best, Sarah
Keith was an amazingly inventive creator of magic. I worked with him on various projects over the past 5 years. A trip to his Falmouth workshop was always an adventure. It’s hard to believe that he has passed….but the magic and joy he created lives on. Condolences to his family and friends.
Diarmuid Gavin
I’m still a bit wobbly from hearing this news. I’d got used to Keith’s being just down the road setting a dreadful example of brilliance and productivity. No one else had a chance of keeping up. There’s no real consolation but I’m very glad he managed to make his Gormenghast; if it’s not a masterpiece I don’t know what is.
So sad…. We love his works so much…
This is such sad news.
I knew Keith back in the Covent Garden days – and have only just started *making* again – taking great inspiration from many of his pieces… My condolences to his family and friends.
Keith was one of my heroes, I’ve adored his work from afar and conversed a little with him online. His pieces are so full of character. I was so incredibly sad to learn he’s gone, but I hope more will get to know him though his wonderful work.
Oh terrible noticia. Ha volado como tantos de sus autómata. Siempre ame su trabajo, lleno de sorpresas y de vida. Descanse en paz. Abrazos para sus seres queridos.
I’m gutted. Keith has been my hero and inspiration for decades – in fact, for my (and his) whole life. And now I will never meet him. He was an awesome genius. One thing that comes out of this is that I am now inspired to work even harder to make better work – not that my stuff will *ever* come remotely close to his. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
I purchased two pieces of Keith’s work in March (Dead Mans Gultch and Pegasus) and visited him in his magnificent Studio in August. He was a real gentleman, understated and a brilliant Automata maker. He is widely regarded as the best in his field and his death is a huge loss to the community. My thoughts go out to his family and friends, he leaves a massive legacy of talented and creative work that will live on for ever.
I have no words for this sad loss. We have lost a teacher and a great artist. My condolences to his family and friends.
Descanse em paz Keith. Que vc tenha a felicidade de ver, agora, face a face a Beleza e a Alegria em Pessoa: Jesus.
Meus pêsames para a Família.
Obituary in The Independent:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/keith-newstead-dead-automata-artist-obituary-b1783879.html
Only just read of the sad news of Keith Newstead’s passing. It’s a great loss for the automata and artistic community. I first saw Keith’s work at Covent Garden decades ago, and was both inspired and intimidated by his creativity and immense skills.
RIP.
So sad to hear of the passing of Keith. He was a friend and creative adventurer always willing to consider my crazy ideas and ideas to promote British eccentricity to the world. I never tired of peering into the gubbins, trying to work out how he made something move in that way. So clever! Keith created automata for my clients that enhanced impressive mansions in London and LA.