Novelty Automation – the Hidden Hotspot Rekindling the Joy of Heritage Machines
Nestled away on a quiet by-street in Holborn, London, Novelty Automation is a vibrant treasure-trove of Victorian-style automatons - perfect for a slightly unconventional trip out.
Embodying various satirical themes, each quaint machine has a wildly unique concept, whether it be phone addiction therapy, fast-paced money laundering or bicycle-powered Pong.
“It’s impressive how detailed these machines are,” said Maia Gwynn-Jones, a visitor to the amusement arcade. “Every time I look, there’s more to see.”
Her reaction perfectly captures the sentiment of the arcade machines, each of which is crammed with charming wooden figures hand-carved by Tim Hunkin, showcasing his dedication both as an engineer and as a cartoonist.
The arcade includes 3 of Hunkin’s machines that were once on display at Cabaret Mechanical Theatre’s Covent Garden exhibition – The Frisker, Test Your Nerve and the Chiropodist.
Hunkin, known for his eccentric takes on mechanical artistry, perfectly blends whimsy with intrigue, creating machines that are both hilarious and thought-provoking.
Breathing new life into this once antiquated practice, he revitalises the Victorian art of automata, popularised during what was known as the “Golden Age of Automata” (1860-1910).
It’s amazing how many of these “automatons” can be fitted into such a cozy and unassuming area whilst still retaining their timeless appeal, but Hunkin has paid attention to every little detail, making this tiny space a truly surreal experience.
As the machines whir to life with the clicking of grinding cogs, each movement feels like a bizarre step into the universe of old-world craftmanship.
Every facet of the museum-turned-arcade overflows with magical allure: even the process of collecting your tokens (used to power the machines) is turned into an enchanting experience as a funnel lowers from the ceiling and coins rain down into your metal collection bucket.
Costing £1 per token, Novelty Automation is a cheap but quirky activity which is perfect for children and adults alike.
There are machines that cater to all tastes and people, whether you're looking for a competitive game against a friend or simply an interesting concept brought to reality.
We were fortunate enough to try almost all the bizarre automatons, and our personal favourites were, in no particular order, a biting dog with saliva to boot, an Amazon worker desperately dodging redundancy, and an unusual photo booth with a twist.
If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll even win a “Nobel Prize” on the “Small Hadron Collider” machine, which you can then pick up at the front desk.
Capturing the charm of an era long-past, this hidden gem is a must-visit for anyone who can appreciate the joys of a well-made machine.
