AutomataCon: A Convention for Automata Enthusiasts: The Morris Museum, Morristown, New Jersey, March 18-20, 2016

We at Morbid Anatomy are so excited about AutomataCon, an upcoming convention for makers, collectors and enthusiasts of Automata, moving mechanical toys popular in the 18th Century and 19th Centuries. AutomataCon will take place March 18-20, 2016 at The Morris Museum, who house one the finest collections of antique automata in the world.

The full schedule for the event follows; You can find out more--and get tickets--here. See previous posts on the Morris Museum here and here.

AutomataCon

A Convention for Automata Enthusiasts

March 18-20, 2016, Morris Museum, Morristown, New Jersey

AutomataCon is a convention of and for artists, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts of automatons and related kinetic art. It is a two day event being held March 18th and 19th, 2016 at and in conjunction with the Morris Museum in Morristown, New Jersey, home of the Murtogh D. Guinness Collection of Mechanical Musical Instruments and Automata.

The goal of the convention is to gather people from around the world to share ideas, build relationships, and grow interest in automata new and old. The convention will include a variety of private and public programming, such as social gatherings, museum tours, panel discussions, live demonstrations, workshops, presentations, and an exhibition.

The idea for a convention stemmed from the fellowship shown on the Automata / Automaton Group and Mechanical Adventures group on Facebook. Like the Facebook groups, I feel that the true value of the convention will be the relationships built and knowledge shared when passionate people of common interest come together. As such, the success of the convention will depend on the attendees. It will be what we make of it. I am optimistic that great things will come. 

AutomataCon is a convention of and for artists, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts of automatons and related kinetic art. It is a two day event being held March 18th and 19th, 2016 at and in conjunction with the Morris Museum in Morristown, New Jersey, home of the Murtogh D. Guinness Collection of Mechanical Musical Instruments and Automata.

The goal of the convention is to gather people from around the world to share ideas, build relationships, and grow interest in automata new and old. The convention will include a variety of private and public programming, such as social gatherings, museum tours, panel discussions, live demonstrations, workshops, presentations, and an exhibition.

The idea for a convention stemmed from the fellowship shown on the Automata / Automaton Group and Mechanical Adventures group on Facebook. Like the Facebook groups, I feel that the true value of the convention will be the relationships built and knowledge shared when passionate people of common interest come together. As such, the success of the convention will depend on the attendees. It will be what we make of it. I am optimistic that great things will come.  

SCHEDULE

Friday Night Reception

March 18, 6-9 PM

Join us for a private reception at the Morris Museum consisting of light refreshments and hors d'oeuvres, with private and behind-the-scenes tours of the Murtogh D. Guinness Collection of Mechanical Musical Instruments and Automata.

Saturday Programming

March 19, 11 am - 5 PM

Saturday programming will include a variety of panels and programming, covering topics such as

• The History of Automatons
• Techniques for Making Automatons
• Automaton Collecting
• Demonstrations and Meet-the-Artists
• Hands-On Workshops
• Table displays and sales (more info soon)
• Special programming in the Bickford Theater

More details will be posted as panelists are finalized. Please volunteer to participate when you register, as AutomataCon's success depends on its attendees!

Premier showing of historic film, "Le Monde des Automates"

Saturday, March 19, Time TBD

We are pleased to announce that AutomataCon will host the premier showing of the extremely rare 1928 film, “Le Monde des Automates [the World of Automata],” in the museum’s Bickford Theatre, courtesy of Jere and Steve Ryder of AutaMusique, Ltd. This silent film was meant to accompany Alfred Chapuis’ & Eduard Gélis’ foundational 2 volume book by same name, and which has been effectively ‘lost’ from public view for 70+ years. Originally created as a typical period silent film using hand-driven cameras, an accompanying sound track was added shortly thereafter, making this one of the first Swiss-made sound films. About 25-30 minutes in length, it documents some extremely rare and unique automata and mechanical music, at a very early time. A fabulous historical document.

Sunday Programming

March 20, 11 am - 2 PM

Sunday programming will include additional, less formal panels and programming. Demonstrations of the Guinness Collection are also given at 2 PM.

Image: Suicide of Cleopatra automaton from The Morris Museum, about 1880-1890