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. On this course you will learn 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.

This course will mainly be covering levers, cranks, cams and linkages. You will learn how mechanisms can be put together to create a variety of different movements. All materials for the mechanism will be supplied; these are pre-cut and need to be glued together. You will not need to cut or saw wood for these mechanisms.

You may wish to explore wave mechanisms to produce sinuous movement suitable for models featuring the sea. These principles can be extended to depict flexible animals like dolphins and whales. Wave mechanisms will require you to do some straightforward drilling and sawing.

By the end of the course, you will have made a simple hand-cranked mechanism which can be used as a basis for your own automaton. There should be time for you to create paper or card sculptures to animate the mechanism you have made. Please bring paper, card and glue if you wish to do this (or this can be purchased from the shop). It may also be possible to incorporate found items into the automaton; if you wish, bring these along too.

Your tutor will outline the principles of making articulated wooden figures for the automaton if you choose to take this option. However, carving wood is very labour-intensive, so you should not expect to come away with a completed figure within the course timeframe.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply all of the materials for the mechanism, including a cams kit and linkages kit per student, dowel, bamboo skewers, pine moulding, pine stripwood, disc cams, billets of limewood and wood glue.

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, please bring paper, card and glue.

Available to buy

Available from shop: A variety of art and craft materials, including paper, card and glue

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
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
Teaching finishes: 3pm

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.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

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