Magician automaton transforms some surprising items under his hat

Here is an automaton by Dave Goodchild, made in 2005. The automaton depicts a magician performing the classic 'different items appearing from under a top hat' routine -- in this instance, a rabbit, a dove, a banana, and then finally a miniature version of the magician himself performing the trick. Very recursive! Magicians and historians should note the small red imp whispering into the conjuor's ear, a common trope in in advertising posters for magic shows in the 1800s. Bravo!

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New wooden orrery by Dave Goodchild

Dave Goodchild of Norfolk, England designs and makes orreries -- mechanical models of the solar system. What is particularly remarkable is that he uses wood as the primary material. The video above is a close up view of his latest piece. This model, like all of his work, is stunning.

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Migrating Elephant Automata by Dave Goodchild

Here is some video of an automata designed and built by Dave Goodchild in 2002. The piece shows a family of three elephants who are using there flying machines to migrate south for the winter. Charming!

See this piece and some beautiful wooden orreries on Dave Goodchild's YouTube page.

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Beautiful hand-cranked Wooden Orrery

Dave Goodchild of Norfolk, England has been making automata for well over 10 years. Most recently, he has chosen to focus his considerable talent on the designing and making of orreries -- mechanical models of the solar system. What is particularly remarkable is that he uses wood as the main material.

The artist says he is about to embark on a new 9-planet orrery which will he will blog as it is built. Take a look at the video below to see some of his handiwork in motion.

See more pictures and videos of Dave Goodchild's Orreries at www.woodenorrery.com

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