The musical android owned by Marie Antoinette
1849 - Flute-Playing Automaton by Innocenzo Manzetti.
In his series Mechanical Brides of the Uncanny, Edward Bateman occupies the role of both inventor and philosopher. Using the carte de visite – the calling cards of the mid 19th century – as a historical and visual point of reference, he replaces the human subjects with mechanical automatons who take on the characteristics and idiosyncrasies of
Martin Scorsese's new movie Hugo follows the adventures of an orphan boy, who lives in the walls of a 1930's Paris train station, and a m...
An automaton (plural: automata or automatons) is a self-operating machine or robot. Seen above is the Writer, an automaton built in the 1770s by world-renowned Swiss watchmaker, Pierre Jaque…
Automaton Servo controlled mechanism. Electronics, wood, fabric cover. Resin, epoxy clay, armature wire, synthetic hair, glass eyes, fabrics
In his series Mechanical Brides of the Uncanny, Edward Bateman occupies the role of both inventor and philosopher. Using the carte de visite – the calling cards of the mid 19th century – as a historical and visual point of reference, he replaces the human subjects with mechanical automatons who take on the characteristics and idiosyncrasies of
An automaton (plural: automata or automatons) is a self-operating machine. These hold fascination for me - especially some of the older ones shown in this posting. They've been around for a long time (since Greek times) but the golden age is considered by many to be 1860-1910. During this period many small family based producers thrived in Paris. The main French makers were Vichy, Roullet & Decamps, Lambert, Phalibois, Renou and Bontems. In addition to being fine examples of mechanical competence, these early machines were used in magic acts and performances to demonstrate mystical abilities (before audiences were sure about how these machines worked). Good examples are those used by French magician Robert Houdin. There is also a famous example of a hoax - The Turk (a chess-playing automaton), which dates back to the late 1700s (photo below toward end of posting). This supposed mechanical chess player beat scores of opponents, but was ultimately revealed to have been a hoax (there was a small person was hidden inside the contraption). Nevertheless, the machine is still quite beautiful. I've also included in this posting a piece I made recently (last series of photos). close up of clown from Automatomania A few good sites to check out: Automatomania - Excellent collection with good photos. http://www.automatomania.co.uk/ Dugnorth Automata blog - A great source for all things automata http://blog.dugnorth.com/ Deskarati - (good succinct history of automata) http://deskarati.com/2011/05/08/automata/ Atlas Obscura's Amazing Automata section - A great site for anything bizarre and obscure (its also on this blog's list of links on the right side bar). http://atlasobscura.com/category/inspired-inventions/amazing-automata Fantasma Magic Shop in New York City - This is one of the few great magic shops left. It's located right near Penn Station and well worth a visit (books, tricks, costumes, antiques, live birds!) They carry some great pieces of antique automate too. And the best part may be the mechanized Houdini that comes down from the ceiling and gets out of a straight jacket (I understand the shop's owner is a big Houdini fan and expert). http://www.fantasmamagic.com/shopping/ click images to enlarge Henry Phalibois Automaton of a Chinese Magician and Vanishing Assistant, c. 1920 From the site of Skinner Inc. Top view A flea circus in a suitcase Vichy Acrobat The Undertaker Baking bread A writing woman - this was a popular type of automata - one where the machine writes a name or a message. A reconstruction of the hoax automata, The Turk. The original was built in 1770s and appeared to be a "thinking" chess playing machine, but there was a small person hidden inside the box. Here's a piece I made - it's my first shot at a very simple, hand cranked automata: In process:
George R. Moores’ “Walking Automaton†was built to push an Invalids Chair and was made from wood and steel and the walking action driven by electric motors.
In his series Mechanical Brides of the Uncanny, Edward Bateman occupies the role of both inventor and philosopher. Using the carte de visite – the calling cards of the mid 19th century – as a historical and visual point of reference, he replaces the human subjects with mechanical automatons who take on the characteristics and idiosyncrasies of
The origin of this mechanical boy was a mystery until he revealed his maker by writing it in perfect cursive.
The Strong Museum of Play is home to the largest, most comprehensive collection of toys, dolls, games, and video games.
John Joseph Merlin's swan automaton is just as impressive today as it was when he built it in 1773.
The House of Automata is an amazing archive of vintage automata. Amongst the many wonders on their page you'll find lively wooden ducks, a clown playing the xylophone, a bear…
THE DULCIMER PLAYER AUTOMATON This example was almost certainly crafted by Joseph Möllinger (1715–1772), an instrument-maker and clockmaker at the court in Zweibrücken. Circa 1770
Sultan Abdulaziz visited Austria in 1867, the first sultan to arrive on Austrian soil as a friend rather than a foe. That the visit was a high occasion of state was made abundantly clear by the Sultan’s being met at the railway station and accompanied to Schönbrunn personally by Emperor Franz Joseph. State occasions such as this together with the process of cultural exchange
In his series Mechanical Brides of the Uncanny, Edward Bateman occupies the role of both inventor and philosopher. Using the carte de visite – the calling cards of the mid 19th century – as a historical and visual point of reference, he replaces the human subjects with mechanical automatons who take on the characteristics and idiosyncrasies of
Explore Eli's garden's 1864 photos on Flickr!
Jaquet Droz "The Writer" - Image by Ariel Adams In the late 18th century Jaquet Droz and his associates had already perfected the art of selling luxury goods to the ultra wealthy. A talented clock and watch maker, as well as businessman, Jaquet Droz is also much remembered for something else. [...]
«Пушкин», первый в мире автомат, движения которого определяет случай, удивляет даже своего создателя – скульптора и часовых дел мастера из Сант-Круа, чудесным образом сочетающего механику с поэзией.
Watch brands like to pump up their history a lot. This is especially true in Europe where with age comes legitimacy. It also helps when your history includes impressive things. A lot of today’s watch brands that bear vintage names don’t always have the most interesting histories. Much of them can be summed up as […]
The Department of Awesome Automata seldom gets an opportunity to show off, but today they’re pulling out all the stops with this breathtaking Silver Swan automaton. Housed at the Bowes Museum in North...
