As the morning sunlight gradually scaled the beech tree to the left, it exposed the changing nature of the weeping birch, the leaves of which are beginning to blend with the gravel of the Heligan Path.
Aaron and Robin completed work on the decking, which included Aaron’s own idea of the steps, made from offcuts of the planks. The intention is to train plants around the trellis.
It was a day for recycling. Jackie and I built a temporary cold frame for the winter, from offcuts of Elizabeth’s conservatory roofing, concrete slabs, and old bricks.
Automata are mechanical figures designed to move in certain ways when set off at the turn of a handle. As an art form these date from very early times, and are, at least in The First Gallery at Bitterne, near Southampton, enjoying a resurgence of interest. Our friends Margery and Paul Clarke, the proprietors, have long featured such works in their exhibitions, and have just finished one devoted entirely to these intriguing and entertaining constructions. At the close of this event they gave a party to celebrate this and their 40th year of exhibiting. Naturally we attended.
The gallery in their home was filled with fascinating pieces, all hand-made with marvellous moving parts. Examples are:
Horse Box with Bird,
A Friendly Gesture,
Love Boat,
these three as labelled,
A Cheap Automata Shop,
A Wave Machine,
this group of four,
Three Fishes and Bird,
this one the name of which escapes me,
another being tried out,
these tiny miniatures in their glass case,
and Helluva Guy,
whose creator also made the hanging wooden puppet.
Margery had made a few figures of her own, notably:
Clown,
and Aggie, the very very wicked witch.
Other works included:
Cat and Dog,
Cat by Moonlight,
and Seal Box with Fish.
It was a warm enough day for a number of guests to sit outside,
until all were called in to drink a toast, listen to Margery’s short welcome speech,
and see her cake candle lit.
She then cut the cake which was distributed to follow the excellent soup, numerous canapés and other treats, and various desserts.
After this we visited Mum shortly before her temporary carer arrived to help her cook her dinner. Mum is having a difficult time with her arthritis at the moment and, for the time being, has a carer visiting at mealtimes.
We then went on to Elizabeth’s and spent some time with her before returning home where the contents of the doggie bag given to us last night by the waitress at The Royal China were just the job for our evening meal. I had consumed a glass or two of wine earlier, so was in no need of accompaniment. Jackie drank a Hoegaarden.
There used to be the most fascinating exhibition and shop in the central market Jan Covent Garden full of automata. We’ve bought a couple over time. Sadly it moved due to the increasingly exorbitant rents. I love this beauties.
Thanks, Geoff. They are amazing
That was called “Cabaret”. In 2000 it moved to Southend, but couldn’t survive there, either. It now occupies an industrial unit in Victoria, and trades online, selling automata and education packs, and promotes two touring exhibitions worldwide of parts of its collection. A third tour is in preparation.
You are adding so much to this post, Paul. I’m correcting the title, too 🙂
Thanks Paul. I will look out for it.
What a collection! And I always like to see pictures of your garden. You and Jackie have put much work into it.
Thank you, Cynthia
Jan of course should have been in!
I find them either beautiful and fascinating or ugly and pointless. Each to his own, I guess. I remember playing with many versions of such toys.
I like the birch tree dropping leaves onto the path. I love leftovers 🙂
Thank you, Mary. Rather like Bruce, I wouldn’t want one, but I admire the careful creativity.
Lovely garden tour and delightful automata! A treat. Thanks.
Thank you, Seedbud
What ingenious creations! Isn’t it amazing what creative people get up to!
Thank you, Pauline. It is.
There’s so much imagination (and work) on display there. Did you get to turn a few handles?
Thank you, Yvonne. Oh, yes!
There were over 100 automata and 50 puppet-related pieces.
The leaves of the weeping birch remind me that we are about to experience such a falling of leaves here in New England as will be needing days and days…a month or two…. to rake… 🙂
Thank you, Cynthia. I will be getting out the rake soon.
However, they’re so spectacular they promote tours from the UK specifically to visit the fall colours in New England. So, aren’t the colours worth the raking?
What a day you had! The automatons are fascinating and whimsical. I was grinning as I looked at them. I hope you turned a few handles! BTW, my cold frame made its way back into the garden today.
Thank you, Lisa. Some of the creations are very funny, and whimsical is a good word.
Your photos do these creations justice. I am so impressed with the creativity and I especially like when I can see the working parts that make the movement. The seal box is so neat! Like a kid, I am wishing I could be there to turn the cranks.
I am sorry that your mother is suffering with arthritis now, and hope it improves some. What a frustrating malady that is. So glad she has a carer to take care of painful tasks.
Thank you, Crystal. We liked the seal box ,too. She had another which was a blue bird with eggs inside
What a fabulous craft. I wouldn’t want a single one of them, but am in awe of the skill. Regarding falling leaves… they convey a certain sadness – but look on the bright side: we don’t have native deciduous trees here in New Zealand, and so they shed their leaves 12 months of the bloody year.
Thanks, Bruce. I’m with you entirely on automatons. I didn’t know that about your trees.
Such a great collection! Your garden certainly is announcing the change of season…it looks like it will be full autumn colour in a matter of weeks now…
Thanks, Matt
The automatons are fascinating.
Thanks, both of you
Outstanding display, Derrick. You cease to amaze.
Thank you, GP
That was fascinating – i love those 🙂
Thanks, Geoff
Beautiful displays, impressive creativity. Thank you for the post, Derrick. 🙂
Thanks, Amy
The piece whose name you can’t recall was Palette Port (the palette being the multi-coloured houses in the background) and is by Ian McKay. He’s the husband of Fleur Hitchcock, who ran “Hitchcock’s of Bath” the automata specialist gallery second only to Cabaret in its heyday. It was partly a craft shop and had a branch in Alresford, near Winchester, with a section devoted ro automata. Both closed down nowt
Many thanks, Paul