Well it has been quite some time since my last post. I've had a few in the works and Ségolène has been working on a few herself! Luckily, I have a good excuse for my absence. I am setting up a new workshop in Seattle. I will update with pictures and such, but for now I'll [...]
The Automata Cabinet – Blog
1è Partie. A French Horse Racing Game – Introduction by Ségolène Girard
Restoration of a 19th c. lottery game by M.J & Cie. 1è Partie. A French Horse Racing Game - Introduction by Ségolène Girard Seg is speaking ! Last summer, preparing for my second year specializing in paper conservation, I had to find a few engravings or flat objects to work on. But I enjoy brain-teasers; [...]
The Silver Swan
My favourite object in the world is called The Silver Swan automaton. I learned about it when my (then future) tutor Matthew Read was leading and overseeing a host of conservation works being performed on it. I had the opportunity to assist him with some regular maintenance to this amazing object - as well as [...]
The Fox and the Sea
It was late at night in the West Dean workshop when I decided to make a little toy automaton for my husband Thomas for Christmas one year. As we both love foxes and I was literally an ocean away, I decided to make a little fox on a boat at sea. As you turn the [...]
George Pyke’s Musical Clock
I had the privilege of working with Conservator Ian Fraser at Temple Newsam House in Leeds, England. Together, we worked for two years on the prospect of making conservation works to an important piece in the collection possible. The house holds this treasure in its stairwell. A musical clock made in 1765. The clock stands in [...]