From Our Collection - A 19th Century Automaton Doll
Doll, mechanical. Nelson Provincial Museum Collection: A2829.7
Look what we came across in our collection recently. With her glazed over expression, this automaton doll is creepy but fascinating. During her working life, the key at the back of her stand would have been wind-up, prompting her to start moving some of her limbs in time with music the she played. Now her mechanics and body are too fragile to attempt her stressful dancing routine, so in retirement she takes a rest within her well protected box so we can conserve for her for you and future generations to enjoy.
Mechanically moving figures like this one were all the rage in the late 19th century. The higher-priced examples were not necessarily playthings for children. In fact, such items were often for the whole family or crowds to enjoy as part of shop displays.
The most highly regarded automata makers during this time were based in France. We can tell this doll was made by Frenchman Leopold Lambert, by the “LB” marked on her key. Leopold started as an apprentice with automata master Gustav Vichy. In 1886, he started his own business and his wife Eugénie, a Parisian tailor, designed and created clothes for the automata dolls. Business was very successful and he participated in a number of exhibitions to show off his products.
“Now her mechanics and body are too fragile to attempt her stressful dancing routine…
Our Lambert Automaton doll no longer functions, but below is an example of a automaton, also made by Leopold Lambert which is still in working order.
An example of Lambert’s automatons in motion
