Mechanical Memories Magazine

John's newly acquired Bolland Hell's Kitchen, in French crane case.
The first English working models appeared in the last quarter of the 19 th Century in
Great Britain. These early models utilized clock-wound automatons originally produced
by French clockmakers. These active figures were incorporated into wood cases and
surrounded by supporting scenery to tell a story. As time passed, English artisans began
producing home-grown pieces for their own domestic market. One of the earliest
manufacturers was John Dennison of Leeds. His first machines were clock-wound
models that dated from the 1880's. His early pieces involved subject matter like 'The
Wonder Musical Fairy Fortune Teller' and 'Mother Shipton' , another fortune teller. He
also produced domestic scenes as well , like 'Poor Father' , a father taking care of a baby
while the mother sleeps, and 'The Miser' , a Scrooge-like character haunted by
apparitions. All of Dennison' s working models were handmade and of very high quality.
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