Contraptions and Connections
Known as the ‘Gadget King’, the contraption drawings by William Heath Robinson (1877-1944) are well known and loved around the world. His artistic vision of absurdly complicated machines fashioned out of string and everyday objects fulfilling simple tasks, have delighted audiences from the first World War to the present day. These drawings of clockwork-like contraptions have also inspired generations of ‘automata’ artists to create their own real life kinetic sculptures.
The roots of mankind’s fascination with automata stretch back over 3,000 years as evidenced by the discovery of automaton statues buried in Egyptian tombs (the wooden figure ‘Hathor’ now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art). Ever since, more elaborate and complicated automatons have evolved with the development of ‘clockwork’ devices in the 14th century. A fascination which continued through the Golden Age of 17th century automatons such as the life-like machines created by Jaquet-Droz (Switzerland) and the Silver Swan of Joseph Merlin (Bowes Museum Co Durham UK), onwards through the 1840’s fascination for travelling automata exhibitions. Continuing through to the 20th century’s love of sea-side ‘end of the pier’ automata such as the laughing sailor, penny arcades, and wind up tin toys of the type seen on the likes of ‘The Antiques Roadshow’.
‘Contraptions and Connections’ brings together 15 contemporary artists along with Heath Robinson, exploring where art, invention, and engineering collide. The UK has a glorious, unabashed history of curious creators with an infectious humorous perspective on the human condition. The automatons gathered for this show range from kinetic music playing machines made from pianos and sewing machines (Fi Henshall), hand cranked toys, swimming fish made from old plastic bottles and steel (Tim Lewis), to self-drawing chalk boards (Jim Bond) and a steam propelled bric-a-brac locomotive inspired by the Railway drawings of Heath Robinson (Tim Ellis).
This mesmerising exhibition will appeal to all ages, revealing a thriving artistic community, exploring the human condition through invention and humour.