A circus-themed exhibition combining art, science, engineering and humour will go on display later this month.
The Mechanical Circus will see automated devices showcasing circus-themed “performers” put on display at an exhibition in Hove.
These beautifully hand-crafted mini masterpieces are created by artists curated by the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre. Automata comes from the Greek word for self- propelled. The moving mechanical devices showcase intricate designs and clever mechanisms. The push of a button or the turn of a handle brings the performers and side-shows to life.
The exhibition aims to “amuse, enchant and inspire curiosity” at the push of a button.
Devices on display in the exhibition include a man sitting in a bath eating spaghetti, a muscle man lifting weights and another man pedalling a penny farthing bicycle.
Fiona Story, creative programmer at Hove Museum of Creativity in New Church Road, said: “In this marvellous exhibition sculpture and creativity meets problem solving and engineering with fantastic results.
“It promotes inspired learning and is a way of helping people to explore their own creative spark.
“The detail in these extraordinary machines is breathtaking. They are utterly delightful and endlessly appealing.”
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The Mechanical Circus, created by Cabaret Mechanical Theatre, will see a number of the “automata”, or self-propelled devices, put on display from the end of December.
Sarah Alexander, from Cabaret Mechanical Theatre said: "Automata are intergenerational, with the ability to amuse, enchant and inspire curiosity across all age groups. Automata tell a story with the push of a button, they convey something, whether that’s a thought-provoking message or simply something to make you laugh."
Exclusive films to be shown in the gallery reveal the gizmos, gadgets and tricks behind the construction of the little mechanised marvels.
The exhibition will also include a workshop where visitors can try to create their own mechanical devices and learn more about the displays.
Visitors can enjoy free entry to the museum with activities as well as the Wizard’s Attic Toy Gallery, Film galleries exploring early movie making, Fine Art, Local History and Contemporary Craft followed by lunch in the new Café Rust.
The Mechanical Circus will go on display at the Hove Museum of Creativity in New Church Road from September 21, 2024 until February 23, 2025.
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