Whilst we were in Covent Garden (1984-2000) Cabaret Mechanical Theatre was one of Sir Nicholas Goodison’s favourite shops. This article from The Times in 1997 details some of the automata that he loved. Sir Nicholas sadly passed away in 2021. Over his lifetime, starting at age 19, he amassed a magnificent collection of over 900 […]
Howling Cats
Last month, Paul Spooner made 10 Howling Cats in aid of the Ukraine catastrophe. “The heads and arms are made from lime wood but the bodies, being fairly featureless, are made from a lump of scrap timber I found on a building site. The flag is of copper painted yellow and blue, two colours I’ve […]
The Agreeing Heart by Paul Spooner
It’s not often that P. Spooner, the well-known European automaton maker, has a new idea for a Valentine’s Day offering. This year is no exception; he made one of these for a secret lover many years ago and almost forgot he’d done it. Rugged carving and the painterly application of expensive pigments are complimented by […]
Johann Knopf: a Machine with Whirling Birds
A new edition by Paul Spooner. Twelve wooden birds rotate on four axes in imitation of one of Johann Knopf’s drawings. Knopf, also known as Knüpfer, died in Wiesloch asylum in 1910. He was a patient of Dr Hans Prinzhorn, one of the first psychiatrists to become interested in, and respectful of, the creative works […]
Curious Contraptions at the Exploratorium
Our latest touring exhibition, Curious Contraptions will be at the Exploratorium, San Francisco, from 17th November to Jan 29th 2017. The exhibition features work from 15 different artists, both from the UK and USA and a series of automata making workshops will accompany the exhibition. To learn more about this exciting event, visit the Curious […]
