Nunhead Tim Stevenson
Tim is a self-taught maker who has been making automata for many years and currently designs them for Timberkits.
Mechanical movement for automata with Nunhead Tim Stevenson
Ref: D1D35388
About this course
Learn the basics of mechanical movement for automata and leave with your own working mechanism to create an automaton of your own.
Course Description
Automata and kinetic sculptures do not need complicated or precise mechanisms to make them function. You can produce a pleasing motion by simply pressing a lever or turning a handle. Your tutor will teach you the basics of using very simple wooden mechanisms to create different types of movement. Once you understand the principles of creating such movements, you can animate sculptures, cards and models. Adding movement is a wonderful way of introducing emotion, humour and surprise to your creations.
The course will mainly cover levers, cranks, cams and linkages. All materials for the mechanism will be supplied. These are pre-cut and just need to be glued together so you will not need to cut or saw wood and you will not need protective clothing.
The mechanisms can be put together to create a variety of different movements. At the end of the course, you will go away with a simple hand-cranked mechanism which can be used as a basis for an automaton of your own. Depending on time available, there may be time for you to create paper sculptures to animate with the mechanism you have made.
Please arrive promptly for the 11am start as there is a lot to cover in the day.
Course Materials
Included
On this course the tutor will supply some of the materials including the mechanism and wood glue. The college will supply paper, card and glue for animating your mechanisms.
What students need to bring
Depending on time available, there may be time for you to create paper or card sculptures to animate with the mechanism you have made. If you are interested in doing this there will be some white cartridge paper and glue supplied but please bring any specific paper or card you may wish to use.
Additional information
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Timetable
Daily Timetable
Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm
General Information
Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.
Refreshments
Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.
Access
If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.
Safety
Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.
Refunds and cancellations
Please refer to our terms & conditions below.
Disclaimer
The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.
Terms & Conditions
Tutors
