Tony Mann, 1927-2013, Drummer, a hand-operated automaton, painted wood, tinplate, wire, signed and dated Tony Mann '97, 36.5cm high, 22cm wide, 9cm deep; together with two pieces by the same artist, comprising: Fiddler and Cat, hand-operated automaton, painted wood, wire, signed and dated Tony Mann '88, approx. 24cm high, 22cm wide; 11.5cm deep; and Juggler, a hand-wound automaton, wood, wire, beads, applied metal stars, bearing label for Kristin Baybars to underside, 22.5cm high (3)

Sir Nicholas Goodison noted:

Drummer: Pressing on the two levers causes the drummer to drum. A skilled lever-pusher can set up a rhythm. The drummer is truly military and never changes his expression. His regiment has not been identified, but the hat should give a clue.

Fiddler and Cat: The fiddler fiddles and the cat dances. The cat looks spontaneous, but doesnt have much choice, being driven by the same turning wire as the fiddler. Tony Manns work is characterised by the use of rough woods, recycled materials, simple mechanisms and bright colours.

Provenance:

Drummer: Purchased, Tony Mann, at the British Toymakers Guild Exhibition, Chelsea, January 1998.

Fiddler and Cat: Purchased, Kristin Baybars, London, May 1992. Exhibited, A Collectors Collection, Strawberry Hill, June-November 2014.

Juggler: Purchased, Kristin Baybars, London, December 1991.

Note: Tony Mann, 1927-2013, worked for 20 years as an industrial designer before turning his creative energy into automata. Each is a one-of-a-kind piece and show his love of bright colours.He was voted Toymaker of the Year by the British Toymakers Guild for both 1987 and 1988.

Roseberys do not guarantee the working order of any automata or toy.