The passing of Automaton-maker Keith Newstead

We've lost a large figure in the world of contemporary automata. Keith Newstead passed away on November 8th, 2020 at the age of 64.

I communicated with him via email. He was a very pleasent person. He shared with me a technical detail about how to work with a certain type of wire that I will always remember and always be grateful to have learned. I don't own many automata, but I did purchase one of Keith's called "Flights of Fancy". I will treasure it.

So many people have been entertained, enlightened, and inspired by Keith Newstead's work. It will remain to remind us of his genius and that art can be playful.

Here is a very fine obituary for Keith Newstead publsihed in The Guardian.

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