Complex Automata – Trying to Find Information

[James AlfordParticipant @jamesalford67616]

A while ago, I found some footage on-line of some complex automata, but I have lost the bookmarks. I have been looking again, but in vain. I was wondering whether anyone can help at all?

One site had an older-style recording of a cabinet or case containing a large alchemist or sorcerer. I believe that case’s doors opened and the figure carried out a spell or experiment. The was some sort of narration, but it was not in English, so I have no idea what it was about.

The other was more modern with a lot of detail. I believe that the artist was American and automata included 1920s Berlin night club style figures and scenes, a Prussian officer’s head and torso and some sort of spooky scene, similar to Pepper’s Ghost.

Does this ring any bells at all with anyone or was I merely dreaming?

James.

 

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Not sure about the ones you refer to but there are a number of complex automata in the Chateau Azay Le Rideau in the Loire Valley. We visited in 2018. Very impressive and some quite spooky.

Short video here (best viewed full screen for detail):

https://www.pietso.fr/oeuvres/Piet-sO-et-Peter-Keene/les-enchantements-d-Azay/enchantements-Azay-le-rideau-us.html

Colin

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

Simon Schaffer did a program on complex automata on BBC2 back in 2017.

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

Looks like YouTube have recordings

[PlasmaParticipant @plasma]

I remember seeing the alchemist machine you describe on tv.

I think it was on the antiques roadshow but that’s an educated guess.

The most amazing one I saw was the silver Swan swimming on a lake of crystal rods. It’s neck was articulated and moved like a serpent.

 

[James AlfordParticipant @jamesalford67616]

Thank you for the link and the suggestions.  The Chateau collection looks very interesting and I shall explore the TV programme as well.

I have found the name of the maker of the Prussian officer. It is  Thomas Kuntz at haxanthrobo.com if anyone is interested.

James

[James AlfordParticipant @jamesalford67616]

Found it. The Alchemist’s Clocktower.

James

 

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Fascinating!

Colin

[simondavies3Participant @simondavies3]

Anybody visiting Utrecht in the Netherlands should search out the Speelklok museum which is focused on mechanically playing music and also has a number of automata.
I last went some 6 years ago so some bits may have changed, but good fun – and your Dutch doesn’t need to be good (or even exist) since I recall everything had excellent translations into English.

https://www.museumspeelklok.nl/en/

https://www.museumspeelklok.nl/en/

[Graham ButcherParticipant @grahambutcher80356]

The Swan automata that Plasma was referring to is  in the Bowes museum within Barnard Castle, County Durham.

Now an incredible 252 years old it is still displayed once every day and twice per day  during school holidays.

Graham.

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