Interactive exhibition on automata at Royal Cornwall Museum

The Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro will feature the interactive exhibition on automata from Easter. Titled The Marvellous Mechanical Museum, the exhibit showcases the works of leading automata artists and underscores the concept's historical origins dating back to 2000 BC.

The automata, ancient mechanical devices designed to perform particular functions, will look to capture the public's fascination. This exhibition intends to shed light on the blend of engineering, art, and science incorporated in these machines.

Fish Tank In The Sky by Keith Newstead (Image: Keith Newstead)

The Marvellous Mechanical Museum exhibition was curated by global automata connoisseurs, Cabaret Mechanical Theatre. This global entity has enormously contributed to the resurgence of automata and lent support to a growing number of creators, predominantly in Cornwall.

With over thirty kinetic sculptures made by renowned artists, the exhibition promises to immerse visitors in captivating moving dioramas. A highlight of the exhibition is the ‘Gormenghast’ castle installation, a meticulous replica of the castle from Mervyn Peake's fantasy novel, Titus Groan.

The Cornish automata artist Keith Newstead, who passed away in 2020, is to be commended for his intricate work. The exhibition also features works by other Cornwall-based artists, such as Fi Henshall, Carlos Zapata, and Paul Spooner.

Gormenghast by Keith Newstead (Image: Keith Newstead)

On display will be apparatus that enable automata-like cranks, levers, gear drives, and linkages, offering behind the scenes insights into these fascinating creations.

In addition to the final pieces, The Marvellous Mechanical Museum will support family-friendly activities including a collaborative Ensemble Workshop, providing an opportunity to contribute to a large-scale automaton and creative make and take activities for children.

Baba Yaga by Keith Newstead (Image: Keith Newstead)

Bryony Robins, artistic director at the Royal Cornwall Museum said: "Cornwall is renowned for its history of invention, ingenuity and artistic creativity. This show brings a different dimension through craft and the revival of the tradition of automata, at the same time celebrating the work of artists working in Cornwall today.

"These objects pack a punch, often exploring hard-hitting subjects in what could be seen as a whimsical and amusing way, but while viewers are entertained, they are often also left with thought provoking messages."