April 26 - September 22, 2024
Mystery Clocks and Magic Automata
from the Collection of Richard Garriott
Visit the Morris Museum’s recently renovated Guinness Collection entry to view a selection of automata from the personal collection of Richard Garriott, current president of the Explorers Club.
An astonishing display of five mid-nineteenth century “Mystery Clocks,” or Pendule Mystérieuse, were manufactured in Paris by magician and watchmaker Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin (1805–1871) and first debuted at the 1839 Exhibition of French Industry. With each subsequent edition, Robert-Houdin continued to amaze fellow horologists with clock motion which appeared unattached from the timepiece mechanism. The exhibition continues the theme of magic, theatre, and entertainment with contemporary automata that combine technical and artistic skill with the power of imagination.
Mystery Clocks and Magic Automata from the Collection of Richard Garriott is curated by Jere Ryder, Guinness Collection Conservator.
Leadership support for this exhibition is provided by Will and Mary Leland.
Image Caption: Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin (1805–1871), Mystery Clock (2nd series), c. 1838. Paris, France. On loan from the collection of Richard Garriott.
Dug North, Machini the Marvel, 2005. Automaton. On loan from the collection of Richard Garriott.
