LEE WHITEHEAD

I was born in the UK on 14th Feb 1968. My career started with an electrical apprenticeship with a local contracting company and my full time career is still that of a maintenance electrician. As a personal venture / past time I always enjoyed creative projects.

When I was in my twenties I visited an automata museum in YORK, then one at covent gardens, called the cabaret mechanical theatre. It was an amazing experience to see and be inspired by many talented artists creating automata. At this time in my life with work and family commitments I did not get the time I would have liked to give this a go even though I had purchased many books plus VHS instructional videos at that time!.

If I were to pick a favourite it would be Keith newstead. His course explained everything in a simplified way and his automatons were outstanding.

During the covid period when I had turned 50 I was laid off work for three weeks and it was during this time that my interest was reignited once again after finding an online automata magazine publication. I had a 3D printer plus had learned an easy 3D modelling software application. My first automata involved a made up character that I called Hector who developed after a creative period 3D modelling on the computer. Thought it looked quirky so went with it to develop this character into an automata display. The magazine editor kindly offered to publish my article and since then I have completed three projects.

Keith Newstead is a renowned British automata artist who has dedicated his life to creating fascinating and intricate mechanical sculptures. Born in 1956, Newstead began his career as a mechanical engineer before turning his attention to automata art in the early 1980s.

Keith’s creations are a perfect blend of mechanical engineering, art, and storytelling. His whimsical and often humorous sculptures depict a wide range of subjects, from animals and insects to historical figures and mythical creatures. Each piece is meticulously crafted and designed to delight and engage viewers, with intricate mechanisms that bring the sculptures to life.

Newstead’s work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. He has won numerous awards and accolades for his creations, including the prestigious British Craft Councils’ “Selected Maker” award in 2008.

Despite his success, Newstead remains committed to his craft and continues to create new and innovative automata sculptures from his workshop in Falmouth, Cornwall. He is a passionate advocate for the art of automata and regularly holds workshops and talks to share his expertise and inspire others.

Overall, Keith Newstead’s unique blend of engineering and art has made him one of the most celebrated and beloved automata artists of our time, and his legacy is sure to endure for generations to come.

Sadly Keith passed away in 2020.

Mad News 2019

Matt Smith Automata Artist

Matt Smith is a renowned automata artist based in the United Kingdom, and is the founder along with Paul Spooner of The Fourteen Balls Toy Co. He is well-known for his intricate and whimsical automata creations that feature complex mechanical movements and intricate designs.

Matt’s passion for automata began at a young age, after pursuing his interest in mechanical engineering and sculpture, he established The Fourteen Balls Toy Co in 1986, with the aim of creating unique and innovative automata that showcase the magic of movement and mechanics.

Since then, Matt has gained international recognition for his work and has exhibited his pieces at various art galleries and museums around the world. His creations range from playful animals to intricate machines that depict scenes from everyday life, and are made using a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic.

In addition to his artistic work, Matt is also involved in teaching and promoting the art of automata-making. He has conducted workshops and talks at various educational institutions and museums, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring artists and enthusiasts.

Overall, Matt Smith’s work has made a significant contribution to the world of automata and continues to inspire and captivate audiences with his imaginative and intricate creations.

Fourteen Balls Automata

Mad Museum Picture Gallery

Lisa Slater is a British artist who has gained recognition for her mesmerising automata sculptures. Born in the UK, Slater grew up with a passion for creating. However, her interest in mechanics and movement led her to explore the world of automata, and she has been creating these whimsical sculptures ever since.

Lisa’s work is characterised by intricate mechanical movements that are set into motion by the viewer, creating a unique interactive experience. Her automata range from simple designs to complex pieces that incorporate multiple movements and intricate mechanisms. Lisa’s sculptures often feature a whimsical and playful theme, incorporating animals, birds, and other natural elements.

Lisa’s art has been exhibited in numerous galleries and exhibitions across the UK and internationally, and she has received critical acclaim for her unique style and creative approach. Her work has also been featured in various publications, including The Guardian and Crafts magazine.

Aside from her work as an artist, Lisa is also a teacher and has held workshops and classes to share her passion for automata and mechanics with others. Her dedication to teaching and sharing her knowledge has helped to inspire a new generation of automata artists.

Overall, Lisa Slater’s work is a unique blend of art, mechanics, and storytelling, creating a truly magical and enchanting experience for viewers.

Lisa’s Website 

Mad Museum Picture Gallery

About Ian………

Model railways are amazing, but they tend to follow typical passenger safety rules to employ a certain amount realism.  Whilst in the middle of making my first railway, I got frustrated with the regular design constraints and began to fantasise about runaway trucks escaping the quarry lines and loop-da-looping their way back to the shunting yards.  This quite quickly led me to discover the amazing online community of Rolling Ball Sculptures.  My RBS journey began in 2017 with many failed attempts in materials and scale.  When I finally settled on copper wire, I managed to get successful with ½ inch stainless steel balls.

These days I’m building desk top sculptures for sale mostly using 2mm copper wire, 5/8 inch stainless steel balls and low voltage electric motors to lift the balls to the top.  I mostly use a resistance solder iron to make my sculptures.  Each sculpture I make is designed to be different from the last and I’m definitely still developing my own skills and design style.  I video myself designing and building my RBS and regularly post vlog style videos on my Copper-Gravity YouTube channel.  Please subscribe to my channel if you want to follow along.

Established in 1990 The Victorian Model Workshop designs and builds animatronic figures, automatons, stage props, puppets and mechanical displays for commercial customers and private collectors.

We are one of only a handful of workshops in the country which opens its’ doors to the public – so if you’d like to see our work, feel free to drop in and say hi.

We are based in the lovely Ferrers centre for arts and crafts, in Staunton Harold.

This splendid courtyard building of brick and slate was built as stabling for the fifth Earl Ferrers between 1760 and 1780. Today, it’s transformed and become home to over 15 different organisations, including us!

We are just next door to the Staunton Stables Tearooms, and we are open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am – 5pm (but we close earlier at 4pm on Sundays).

Victorian Model Workshop
The Ferrers Centre/Melbourne Rd
Ashby-de-la-Zouch
LE65 1RU
England

Simon Tredinnick

Simon has always enjoyed making things, but has not done so for a long time, dedicating himself instead to repairing electronic equipment. As this was a spare time activity, it completely consumed all his time.

Now the repairs have taken a back seat and building quirky and unusual items are in full swing. A single idea can be triggered by anything his eyes alight upon, building into something that would be difficult to plan on paper. A mixture of mechanics, art and electronics that combine to make something which is fun to look at.

However, he has already found it a steep learning curve! Something that looks simple in its finished form can be frustrating to get to work In the real world!

Who knows what he will come up with next………..

Commission enquiries for quirky clocks and kinetic art welcome.

You can follow Simon on his Instagram page here.

I was born in Morden, Surrey and grew up in London.

I have dyslexia, but when I was young people just thought you were ‘stupid’ because you had problems learning to read. I eventually got a degree and 3 MSc’s including one from Oxford.

As a child I always took all my toys apart. As I got older I started to be able to put them back together again. I just had to know what was in them and how they worked.

I had three main careers: making scientific instruments, robotics marketing, software testing. This let me visit lots of factories making all kinds of things including: medicines, electronics, cars, bread, washing machines, steel, double glazing, helicopters, ships, etc. I even walked around the inside of a nuclear reactor in Switzerland while it was being built ! Engineers are just normal people who are interested in those things and they nearly all seem to enjoy their work.

I run with Evesham Vale running club and am training for my second marathon. I also help organise the Evesham Light Festival: https://m.facebook.com/EveshamLightFestival

I retired 3 years ago, so I joined a Evesham repair cafe and helped restoring Evesham cinema. I volunteered to help at the MAD museum because I love it. They are all really nice people and it’s such an exciting place. The great thing is every time you visit there are new things.

The machines Nik Ramage creates forego utilitarian functionality in favour of futility, uncertainty and fragility. These contraptions are assembled from components that were designed for another purpose, often utilizing elements that are slightly damaged or completely run down.

Some of the machines work relentlessly at their task like an almost useful tool, while others have more hesitant actions and seem to struggle under their own load. This is technology from the shadows, absurd, paradoxical and at times completely comical.

As founder of The MAD Museum, Richard has donated pieces of kinetic art to display which he has collected over the years. Not only that but he also has created his own contribution out in the garden, the Water Feature and intends to build more exhibits himself.

Richard has always been fascinated with mechanics, design and art and how each very different aspect blends together to create a visually impressive display.

Originally a trained chartered surveyor, turned property developer, he then moved towards the internet and set up information related websites for the construction, renewable energy and luxury markets.

For a long time he has been searching for the right location to bring The MAD Museum to fruition and its launch has only encouraged him to find more works of art for the world to see.