The Mechanical World of Robert Race

 

2 July - 31 August  

 

Robert Race is one of the country’s leading makers and, as his passport states, a Toymaker by profession. He has been making moving objects for over thirty years.

 

Robert's original vocation as a science-teacher strongly informs his mechanical ability. His toys and automata move in simple and interesting ways, but there’s nothing didactic about his creations. His work incorporates a wide range of natural, re-used and recycled materials. He says himself that his love of driftwood comes from the pleasure he gets from making beach combing trips to the coast. 

 

The ingenious use of materials produces magical effects. He gives a disused broom head a new lease of life by transforming it into a roving eyed ruminant with the addition of suitable wooden horns and a simple mechanism to make the eyes swivel. The seemingly minor alterations to everyday objects allow him to create ‘moving stories’ of deep resonance, full of life, wit and energy. The work can be seriously thought-provoking or just plain silly. It’s guaranteed to bring a smile to even the hardest amongst us. 

 

Robert has collected toys for a number of years and has been inspired by the traditional moving toys that he has come across in his extensive travels in Europe, Indonesia, Mexico, India and Japan. He often incorporates mechanisms that he has learnt about through collecting in his own work.

 

For New Brewery Arts, Robert is showing some of his major touring pieces like the ‘Seaside Machine’ alongside new work inspired by agricultural themes of the Cotswolds. We also showcase some of his collection of toys.

 

Visitors said:

 

The bestest ever exhibition I have ever seen in the whold wide world ever!  Alex & Monty

 

This art is amazing and so fun!  Bronte (age 12)

 

Fantastic - can't help the smile growing as you walk round.  Janet (age 64)

 

I was feelilng so dad when I walked in.  This has completely brightened my day.  Thank you so much. 

 

Can you adopt me so I can have a second childhood please?! 

 

Beautiful & enchanting!  I could play all day long!  Want a bird and bee...for me!

 

 

MAKE IT

 

Our special MAKE IT celebration of making will this year be themed around this exhibition. 

 

Taking place on Saturday, 17 July, it will be a fantastic opportunity for all the family to try making something arty and interesting - and there will be plenty of street entertainment too.

 

MAKE IT will be running in conjunction with Cotswold Open Studios where artists in and around Cirencester will be opening their studios for everyone to visit and see the work on show.

 

See our MAKE IT page for details.