If you’ve read The Clockwork Three, then you know that automatons play a role in the story. Almost every automaton mentioned in the book was an automaton that actually existed at one point, or at least, was said to have existed. I find automatons really fascinating. So I thought it might be cool to point you to some automatons from long ago that still exist, and still run. Like clockwork should.
The first was sent to me recently by a young reader named Wren (thanks, Wren!) and features the “Silver Swan,” which is currently displayed at the Bowes Museum in England.
The second comes from my cousin, Janna. It features the “The Peacock Clock,” currently housed at the Hermitage in Russia. The video is unfortunately in Russian, but it’s still really cool to see the level of detail and artistry in these creations.
I believe both of these were created by the same man, James Cox, in the latter half of the 18th century.
10 responses to “A most amazing swan, and a wondrous peacock”
Amazing videow! Thanks.
Glad you liked them, Sherry.
That’s totally awesome!! Mr. Cox is a genius.
Yes, indeed he was.
What i find really neat is that Mr. Cox was able to combine such beauty and knowledge into one machine. Plus he didn’t have the technology we have to day. To put it simply, AWSOME!!!
Yes, very awesome!
Oh! Ah!!! I had seen stills of these, but never video! Thanks so much. Hope you and yours are well and that the New Year brings you all good things…
k
Thanks, Kathleen!
I think I’ll be seeing you at the Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers Workshop later this summer (I’m giving a break-out session).
Cool to see those videos! Thanks.
There is a museum I’ve been to in Rudesheim Germany, (Rhine River region) which has some incredible musical automatons. (Siegfried’s Mechanishes Musikkabinett)
The gift shop there has some cool automatons for sale. If you ever come to Germany, see if you can visit this museum. (I know I was fascinated by it.)
That sounds really neat. I’ve been to Germany once before, but I’d like to go again, and if I do, I’ll be sure to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation!