Automata and Mechanical Toys

by Rodney Peppe

Overview

No other craft so brilliantly captures the magic of turning a handle, þicking a switch, or pulling a lever to see the unexpected come to life. Automata and Mechanical Toys is a book for anyone drawn to simple, entertaining mechanics. The book features 21 leading makers, each with a distinctive style. With 160 color photos and 100 delightful examples of the craft, the book is a feast for collectors and enthusiasts. A substantial section of the book is devoted to making automata mechanisms, ideal for novices or those wishing to learn new techniques. Illustrated, step-by-step instructions explain how to make a bearings box, which separately houses all the main mechanisms used in automata. The box can then be converted to any mechanism you choose. Rodney Peppé is a winner of the British Toymakers’ Guild Toy of the Year Award; he has had exhibitions of his work at the Victoria & Albert Museum of Childhood. He is also the author of Rodney Peppé’s Moving Toys.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781861265104
Publisher:	Crowood Press, Limited, The
Publication date:	03/01/2003
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 10.30(h) x 0.66(d)

Table of Contents

	Acknowledgements	4
	Credits and Permissions	4
	List of Contributors	5
	Preface	7
	Introduction	8
Chapter 1	A Brief History of Automata and Mechanical Toys	10
Chapter 2	The Origins of Contemporary Automata	29
Chapter 3	Tools and Materials	49
Chapter 4	Techniques	63
Chapter 5	Making Automata Mechanisms	77
Chapter 6	Theme Projects	126
Chapter 7	Design	141
Chapter 8	Painting and Finishing	154
	Bibliography	157
	Index	158

Editorial Reviews

The automaton, a mechanical figure that moves seemingly under its own power, dates back to ancient Egypt. Because of their complexity, automata are generally toys for adults. Their makers, like the legendary Dr. Coppelius, have been considered to be wizards. Mainly a reference book of the work of Peppe (Rodney Peppe's Moving Toys) and other contemporary toy makers, this book has one chapter of instructions for constructing mechanisms. The photographs of the artists' finished constructions are delightful. An excellent selection for specialized decorative arts collections. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

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