A tiny clockwork motor powers this 130 year old automaton magician. Based on an almost forgotten French Magician called ‘The Great Aldo’ who had invested in a realistic copy of his own head and used it to perform his ‘head off’ routine. In reality he probably didn’t have a double jointed neck but used a set of shoulder pads and a high collar to disappear his head downward into his costume. #secretsofautomata #magictrick | The House of Automata

The Magic Theatre - 130 years old, clockwork automaton with five different dancers appearing in turn when the curtain rises. Made in Paris by Renou. #showbusiness, #curtainraiser, #ladymagician, #magickingdom, #magicwand, #puppetshow, #itsmagic | The House of Automata