Music Video by Birdsong At Morning features automaton by Dug North

This new music video is a song titled "Never to Part" by the group Birdsong At Morning. My automaton Mekanikos vs. The Minotaur makes an appearance!

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A Waste of Time - a kinetic sculpture by Randall Cleaver

Here is a fun kinetic piece by Randall Cleaver that features posable artist's hands playing with the classic Slinky toy.

From the video description:

This is my newest found object clock. It is called "A Waste of Time". I used an Arduino micro controller to activate a stepper motor that will turn the sand glasses once a minute. The case is an old gas heater I found at Community Forklift in Maryland.

See more fascinating kinetic works on Randall Cleaver's YouTube Channel.

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Medieval Rack Clock designed by Clayton Boyer

Check out this wonderful Medieval Rack Clock designed by Clayton Boyer. The one shown here was beautifully built by Jeff Hecht.

Plans for this clock (and many others) available at www.lisaboyer.com

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Japanese Automata - Karkuri Zui: An Eighteenth Century Japanese Manual of Automatic Mechanical Devices

There is a wonderful new book out titled Japanese Automata - Karkuri Zui: An Eighteenth Century Japanese Manual of Automatic Mechanical Devices. This book by Kazuo Murakami translates into English the unique book Karakuri Zui, originally published in 1796. The book starts with an introduction which explains the history of karakuri. What follows is a complete translation of Karakuri Zui which explained the mechanisms and methods of construction for several Japanese clocks and mechanical toys of the Edo period in Japan (1603-1867).

Murakami-San wrote to tell me about the Tumbling Acrobot automaton shown in the video above, which I've posted about in the past. He explains that the tumbling doll seems to have already been invented by the beginning of 18th century. Like many of the fine automata of the past, the Tumbling Acrobat was a toy for wealthy people. There is some evidence that the the doll was brought to Europe by the Dutch, where it was then imitated, westernized, improved, and manufactured by German toy makers to look more like this.

The great magician and automaton-maker, Robert-Houdin, bought a tumbling doll from a French toy maker. This story is recounted in the book Two Odd Volumes on Magic and Automata.

All of this information and more is covered in detail in Kazuo Murakami's new book, Japanese Automata. This soft cover book has a total of 257 pages with 104 original diagrams and drawings of the mechanical devices made during the Edo period. It has been published in a limited run of 500 copies. Here are is an small image of some of the pages:

Here is where you can see sample pages, reviews, and order the book Japanese Autoamta.

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Profile of Will Matthysen hand his handmade wooden clocks

Check out this lovely profile of Will Matthysen who designs and makes clocks made almost entirely out of wood. Will Matthysen is a designer and maker of furniture. He works out of his workshop in Victoria, Australia. He has designed a variety of handcrafted clocks. Most are made largely from wood, but also may also include other materials such as brass, steel, and glass.

Visit his web site to learn more about Will Matthysen.

For more on the making of wooden clocks Wooden Clocks: 31 Favorite Projects & Patterns (Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Book). The ultimate project in the book is Wooden Gear Clock shown on the cover. In addition to the scale plans, photographs and step-by-step instructions there are also cross-sections and exploded diagrams showing how the wooden mechanism is assembled. Plans for this one clock are worth the price of the book. The remainder of the projects are for clocks with wooden cases with battery movements, which may not be as glamorous, but are far easier to make for less ambitious woodworkers or those looking for handmade gift ideas.

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Sotheby's to auction exquisite pieces from the Frank & Lore Metzger collection

We've gotten word of an upcoming sale at Sotheby's in New York City which will features some of the exquisite pieces from the Frank & Lore Metzger collection. The sale includes several different styles of mechanical singing bird, the most astounding being a rare example by Courvoisier & Co. (Lot #63) that features caged, double singing birds that flit towards and away from each other, the cage sits on a base that contains a clock and musical movement.

From the video description:

A very rare Empire Ormolu and Mahogany musical automaton bird cage clock, with twin flying birds and a fountain. The clock is signed by Courvoisier and Comp., famous Swiss clock makers, and sets off the music and bird mechanisms hourly or at will.

This piece is estimated to bring between $150,000 to $250,000 USD.

There are many other amazing pieces in the sale including a George Pyke organ clock (Lot #62), dating to around 1765. The musical clock features an animated scene.

The catalog is online in graphical PDF form. Check out Lots 43 thru 63 for the musical and automata items. Lot 43 starts on page 40. And twelve videos of pieces from the collection can be seen on YouTube.

The preview begins this Saturday, December 6th, 2014. The sale is on Wednesday, December 10th, 2014. Here is where you can get more information on Sotheby's Important Watches sale. For further information contact Daryn Schnipper, Chairman, International Watch Division, at Sothebys, NY (212)606-7000.

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Reproduction of a clock kit based on a sketch by Leonardo da Vinci

Here's snap-together kit that allows you to make a working model clock based on one of Leonardo's sketches. The clock uses a horizontal rotary pendulum design commonly known as a verge and foliot. The clock's speed is controlled by adjusting the weight and balance of the pendulum. It can be assemble in either a wall-mounted or standing configuration. The parts are plastic from the looks of it, but it's an attractive piece nevertheless.

Here is where you can get the Academy da Vinci Clock.

For more on clock escapements, check out Practical Clock Escapements by Laurie Penman. With over 400 line drawings the reader is taken step-by-step through the various operations when making or repairing escapements, with recommendations on the materials and tools to be used.

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The Topsy Turvy Clock by Andy Clark

Andy Clark of The Workshop Shed blog made this, The Topsy Turvy Clock, after being inspired by a kids TV show, featuring a clock with numbers in the wrong places.

Andy Clark explains:

I saw a clock with the numbers in a Topsy Turvy order and wondered if I could actually make it work. After concluding it would be too much of a technical challenge to make it entirely clockwork, I decided to use stepper motors and software control. I wanted it to look like an original mantel clock so the brass mechanism and style of numerals were key. I had the numbers laser cut in card by a company who normally make wedding table decorations so the what I call "antique white" is actually "champagne". I started planning in late November last year so it's been a long build with mechanical, electronic and software challenges. I finished it just this week after a month of fine tuning and completing the software.

Here is where you can learn more about the Topsy Turvy Clock. It's also been entered in the Atmel Simply AVR Design Contest, so be sure to vote for it!

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Flying Pendulum Clock you can build from wood

Check out this nifty flying pendulum clock designed by Brian Law of www.woodenclocks.co.uk. I have owned two of the reproduction clocks designed after the New Haven antiques.

Full sized plans along with instructions showing how to build the this spring-driven mantle clock will appear in Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Issue 56, Fall 2014. The clock employs the novel and entertaining 'flying pendulum' escapement. The patterns and instructions provided by the magazine are excellent and will enable you to cut out all of the components to build the clock.

Here are Brian Law's original plans for the Clock 17 Flying Pendulum with wind up spring on which the one in the magazine is based.

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How I became a full-time clock repairer

Every so often, my blog is actually about me. This is one of those times. I have an article in the current issue of Make Magazine (Vol. 40). I was asked to write about my recent career change to a full-time clock repairer.

A few things I don't say in the article are that I also display and sell some of my automata. I have four pieces available at the moment! I also display a whole bunch of antique clocks I have restored which are for sale. My studio is located in building that once supplied the leather belts that powered the industrial looms and other machines that filled the city of Lowell, Massachusetts.

I hope you enjoy the article, From Cubicle to Clock Repair.

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The Wonderful mechanical world of Rowland Emett

A good friend to The Automata Blog, Richard Partington, wrote to inform us that there is a great exhibition of the legendary Rowland Emett's work at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Emett (1906 – 1990) was an English cartoonist and creator of whimsical kinetic sculpture. The current exhibition of his work is the biggest there has ever been in the UK. That's not something to miss! The video above is from a different exhibition held at the Ontario Science Centre back in 2012.

What:
Marvellous Machines: The Wonderful World of Rowland Emett

Where:
The Birmingham Museum

When:
May 10th, 2014 to September 21st, 2014

[ Thanks Richard! ]

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Moving-eyed monster clock by Dug North now on display

I combined my love of clocks with my affinity for wooden monsters to create this new piece. The monster is made of basswood, ebony, and tagua nut. A small weight-driven German-made clock movement powers the eyes and clock. It is titled simply "Monster Clock No. 1", which implies I may be making more of these!

The monster clock is part of an art exhibition titled "All Creatures, Real & Imagined" at The Arts League of Lowell Gallery in Lowell, Massachusetts. The show runs from June 6th to July 13th. The Reception for the show will be Saturday, June 21 from 4 PM to 6 PM. The piece can be purchased from the gallery at this time.

What
All Creatures, Real & Imagined

Where
The Arts League of Lowell Gallery
307 Market Street, Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: 978-221-5018

When
June 6th to July 13th, 2014
Wednesday - Saturday: 12 - 6 PM
Sunday: 12 - 4 PM

Here is where you can see more work by automaton artist Dug North.

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Clockwork Universe: The amazing German clocks and automata from 1550 to 1650

The book entitled Clockwork Universe: German Clocks and Automata, 1550-1650, is a comprehensive history of the golden age of German clock-making. The book explores the complex mechanisms, the exquisite artistry, and the changing world-view that contributed to their creation.

The guiding thesis of the book is a familiar but compelling one:

The mechanical clock, at least in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, with its rational design and regular running, demonstrated an orderliness lacking in almost every aspect of life at that time. The clock came to offer an explanation for the mysterious workings of the cosmos: living creatures were in fact automata, and the universe itself was an enormous clockwork.

The book features beautiful black & white and color photographs, 200 illustrations and technical drawings. These visuals supplement the detailed descriptions of clocks, automata and mechanical celestial globes from this period. There is even a short section on the famous monk automaton. This is a wonderful reference book covering some astounding mechanical creations.

Here is where you can get a copy of Clockwork Universe: German Clocks and Automata, 1550-1650.

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How to make a tiny machine screw for an antique French clock

I've been doing a bit of posting about practical matters in the world of clock repair on my other site clockfix.com. In one of my recent blog posts there, I documented how to make a very small steel machine screw for a French clock I was working on. Here's the result:

A colleague who has far more experience in this field made two good suggestions. The first was to anneal the metal before turning it down and threading it. This will make the dies last a lot longer. The second, was to part the piece using a jeweler's saw rather than a file. The blades are cheap, and the file will last a lot longer too. He then hardens, tempers, and finishes the screw as the final steps. Good advice; all of that makes perfect sense.

Here's where you can see my post on how to make a tiny machine screw for an antique French clock.

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Beautiful and complex multi-dial automaton skeleton clock

Check out this incredible multi-dial clock created by François-Joseph Hartmann (1793-1830), a clockmaker who worked in Paris. The clock features rarely seen automata, two calendars, the age and phases of the moon, the times of sunrise and sunset, the equation of time, world time and the signs of the zodiac! It is believed to be from 1801.

From the La Pendulerie web site:

When the lever is pushed a polished steel whirligig with mirrored glass background, set above a twin-headed fountain with winged leopard heads mounted with twisted steel rods to imitate running water, is simultaneously activated. The shaped rectangular base features a central palmette frieze flanked by ribbon-tied wreaths; it is raised on six turned feet.

The central sprung panel opens when a lever is pulled, revealing the spring-barrel movement for the animations. Mounted on a substantial oak mahogany-veneered baseboard supported on flattened ball feet, the underside set with a facetted sprung steel shaft and cone terminal, activating the automata work by means of a handle that activates a lever and thence the columns, whirligig and fountain. - See more at: http://www.lapendulerie.com/Hartmann-Coteau-Exceptional-Mutli-dial-automaton-skeleton-clock-DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=6&tabindex=5&objectid=584068&categoryid=14437#sthash.8zrQ1krq.dpuf

Here is where you can read more and see additional photos of this multi-dial automaton skeleton clock.

[ Thanks Felix! ]

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A look inside Dug North's clock repair workshop

As some of you know, I made a career change last summer. I decided to switch from a computer-based job to one that was more in line with my passion for mechanical things. When I was given the opportunity to learn and do clock repair as a full time job, I had to take it. It's been an exciting and busy six months for me. I'm glad I took the leap.

Another milestone was passed back in December of 2013 when I decide to lease a space that is accessible to the public. To that point, I had been working out of my work/live condo space. That was fine for doing the work itself, but less than ideal in dealing with repair customers. I had also been buying clocks at yard sales, online, and at auctions. I have been fixing these clocks up in order to sell them. Needless to say, the foot-traffic through my condo was not all that high, nor did I want it to be. So, the new studio space in The Gates Block building in historic downtown Lowell seemed like a good fit. Here's a photo of the new space:

Recently, a reporter and photographer from The Lowell Sun newspaper paid a visit to my new clock repair shop. They produced the video you see above during the course of our time together. In it, you'll see some of my automata, some of my clocks, and some of my beloved tools.

If you've got any questions or comments, please let me know. It's been difficult for me to stay as on top of this blog as I have in years past, and I'm sorry about that. As my proficiency at clock repair grows and as I get used to running my own business, things will even out again. In the meantime, I can't thank you enough for continuing to visit The Automata / Automaton Blog and for supporting my various enterprises.

-Dug North

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The world's biggest cuckoo clock in Triberg, Germany

The World Biggest Cuckoo Clock is located in its own house in Triberg, Germany. The construction of the clock was based on 100 year old cuckoo clock, but at a scale of 60 to 1! The cuckoo bird itself measures nearly 14 feet long, and weights an incredible 330 pounds.

Here is a short presentation about the clock and its construction presented by an animatronic clock-seller:

Here is a video of the cuckoo emerging. Clearly the bird isn't entirely traditional and possesses its own animatronic components. As grand as this is, I would have preferred a simple, traditional cuckoo bird.

Here is where you can learn more about the world's biggest cuckoo clock.

[ Thanks Falk! ]

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Video profile of Will Matthysen, a modern-day clockmaker

Working diligently in his workshop outside of Victoria, Australia, Will Matthysen has a rare profession, that of clockmaker. He's made over 170 clocks in his lifetime. Enjoy this lovely video profile of this talented craftsman.

Here is a longer article about Will Matthysen, titled The Clockmaker.

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Mind-bogglingly beautiful and complex custom-made astronomical skeleton clock

Check out this amazing great-wheel skeleton clock commissioned from the Buchanan firm by clock expert Mark Frank. Inspired by a clock featured on the cover of the October 2003 issue of the Horological Journal, Frank set out to have commission made. The goals were to create a clock with an imposing scale, lots of movement, and a lot of complexity. I would say he has succeeded!

From the creator's web site:

This is a four train, quarter striking movement with the fourth train driving the astronomical systems. The escapement is based on Harrison's H1 design and is driven by dual swinging-frame remontoire. The clock's functions include: 400 year perpetual calendar, equation of time, sidereal time, sun/moon rise and set, moon's phase and age, tides, solar/lunar eclipses, planisphere, tellurium, and full-featured orrery to Saturn with functional moons. There will be over 20 complications.

The clock measures 25" wide by 29" height and 16" deep. It weights in at an impressive 600-700 pounds! Here is where you can read more and see in-progress photos of this incredible Astronomical Skeleton Clock.

If you are interested in skeleton clocks, try to get you hands on Continental and American Skeleton Clocks and Skeleton Clocks by F. B. Royer-Collard.

[ Thanks Christoph! ]

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Tinkerer's Clock by artist Tim Hunkin at the Exploratorium in San Francisco

Here is a video featuring British artist Tim Hunkin installing his latest creation for the Exploratorium in San Francisco. The piece is a huge kinetic sculpture clock featuring small tinkerers at work.

Learn more about the amazing Tim Hunkin on his web site.

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