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 [...]
Tag: automata
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 [...]
The Silver Case for the Automaton Ship
Case making is no easy feat! Being a silver-smith is one of the nobler pursuits (in my opinion). John Norgate, my mentor and silver-smith extraordinaire, is one of the most spectacular people I have ever met (but I am probably biased). From the way he shuffles about to the way he always says "Ta!" as [...]
The Automaton Ship
My favorite restoration object came to me in a small metal tobacco tin as a broken mechanism with the promise of great reward. It’s small – about 3 cm across by 4 cm high and 2 cm deep. It’s known as the fairy ship – a miniature ship automaton that plays “God Save the King”. [...]