Be introduced to basic mechanisms and experiment with ways in which they can be combined with form to create automata with a narrative theme. The combination of movement and materials, such as wood, wire, metal tube and sheet, found objects and figures will be explored with these simple mechanisms.

On the first evening, you will be introduced to a selection of books and automata that demonstrate the aims of the course and also draw attention to the use of different materials, colour, texture and composition. You will discuss what aspects you particularly hope to reflect in your work with the tutor.

On the next morning, you will be shown examples of a few basic mechanisms which you will be working with, and the various ways these can be exploited, as well as the range of materials and techniques to be used during the course. Explore the combination of movement and materials you wish to work with and the narrative theme of your work, so that you are ready to start work on your automaton by the afternoon.

Expect to work with wood, wire, metal tube and sheet, old tins and found objects. Most materials will be provided by the tutor, but please bring at least one interesting old tin, and any other materials or objects that you want to incorporate into your work to make interesting figures to articulate with these simple mechanisms.

The skills used on the course include the use of a jeweller’s saw, a fretsaw/bandsaw, a pillar drill, wood carving with knives and chisels, and painting. You will generally be able to choose which materials, techniques and level of complexity you are most comfortable with, with an emphasis on the combination of different materials, textures and colours. You will continue to work on your automaton until the final afternoon.

In the final afternoon session, we will play with the finished pieces and discuss ideas for improvement, development or future projects.

Included

Plywood, lime wood for carving, metal wire and sheet, rod, a limited supply of found objects and old tins, fastenings and fixings, bits of brass Meccano and pulley belts, adhesive and acrylic paints are supplied by the tutor.

What students need to bring

• Any favourite hand tools (marked with your name)
• An old tin, at least 12cm wide x 12cm high x 12cm deep, which will form the base of your automaton (They needn't be square, but if they are smaller than this, everything becomes extremely fiddly. The tutor will provide a few spare tins.)
• Any other found objects or materials that you wish to incorporate to make interesting figures or mechanisms
• A notebook/sketchbook and pencil
• Any additional old tins of any size to cut up
• Acrylic paint and paintbrushes, if you have them

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• Scalpels
• Paintbrushes
• Any additional paint required
• Piercing saw blades

Available from tutor:

• A few extra materials to purchase if required

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

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