CLOCKWORK elephants, acrobats and feathered birds are amongst the “beautiful and bizarre” toys on show at a new exhibition this summer.
Running from today, the special event at the Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh focuses on the automata of the 19th century.
The “mechanical marvels” are supplied by the specialist trade and restoration firm House of Automata, which has a presence in the Highlands and the capital.
Highlights are said to include a silk-wearing magician, a “dazzling” acrobat based on a Moulin Rouge performer and a harpist.
The show begins today and runs until September, and also includes “surreal and witty” paintings by local artist Robert Powell.
Museum curator Alice Sage joined Michael and Maria Smart of the House of Automata as they added finishing touches yesterday.
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