Public invited into The House of Automata, Forres for the Automatical Wonders show
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A local museum is to host a wondrous show that is sure to run like clockwork.
‘Automatical Wonders’, a demonstration of moving sculptures at The House of Automata, 32 High Street this weekend will fascinate and entertain automaton enthusiasts and families alike.
Michael Start opened the specialist shop with his wife Maria and their son Hector during the summer.
He said: “Automatical Wonders is an exciting alternative to our private tours, where people can enjoy seeing rare automata wound up and performing as they were originally intended. The show is for a small seated audience of just 18 people and gives some history accompanied by performances of entertaining automata in an atmospheric and comfortable setting.”
He added: “After the grand finale of the Parisian Ladder Acrobat or the Automaton Archer shooting his arrows across the room, the audience will enjoy a tour of the exhibition and workshop.”
The House of Automata has the UK’s largest collection of the unusual artefacts. Dozens of antique automatons are on show in cabinets with QR codes linked to videos of them operating.
Entry to the gift shop is free. It features push button automata and stocks automata kits, magic tricks, House of Automata merchandise, scientific kits, music and jewellery boxes, and Christmas ballerinas.
The Starts have provided automata knowhow and restored pieces for TV shows and films including the Discovery Channel’s ‘Salvage Hunters’ and director Martin Scorsese’s ‘Hugo’.
They are currently working on a mechanical singing bird from 1850 and a commission for the Snake Charmer automaton.
“The House is doing very well in its new premises,” said Michael. “The workshop is busy and the gift shop is full of exciting stock newly arrived from Germany and France.
“The exhibition is attracting visitors from far afield and so far this week has been the main Scottish destination for three groups of visitors from Hong Kong, Switzerland and the USA, all avid automata enthusiasts.”
The House of Automata, winter opening hours are Thursday and Friday from 10am-4pm and Saturday 10am-1pm. Other times available on request.
The first Automatical Wonders show is at 2.30pm on Saturday October, 21 and the second on November 18. Advanced booking advisable in the shop or via magic@thehouseofautomata.com.
For more information see www.thehouseofautomata.com
