Lisa Slater
Automata
Testimonial
I first came across Lisa's work about 10 years ago at an Automata Exhibition at Skipton Town Hall. She had some wonderful pieces including a Gardener in a Potting Shed and some beautiful Horses in Stables. All were beautifully handmade automata, all free to handle and play with during the exhibition and all absolutely superb! Her attention to detail, the quality and simplicity of the wood work, the characterisations and the humour she built into their respective movements meant I was pretty much a fan from day 1!
I found this Wooden Doll Automata of Lisa's in a local art gallery not long after. I loved the way she'd used an antique sewing machine drawer to showcase the turned walnut wooden doll and built in the simple automata mechanism as part of the piece rather than trying to conceal the movement.
Very simple but very effective. The doll has jointed arms and legs which make a wonderful sound against the drawer as it spins. Every part of this has been thought through and made with care. A unique quality piece of craftsmanship which I'm very proud to own.
I love the simplicity of this piece. Lisa has used reclaimed Blue Mahoe wood for the frame, hand carved and painted a beautiful little owl peering out. The owl is full of character and spins round wonderfully as you turn the handle. Lisa has used glass eyes for the owl which really make him stand out in his little house! Lisa invited me over to her studio to collect the Owl and I was thrilled to have a tour round and see her in 'action'! She clearly makes what she loves herself as her studio is a treasure trove of old wooden dolls and antique pieces waiting to be brought back to life using her imagination and skill. This personal love of what she creates shines through in the quality and personality of her wonderful work.
When I first came across Lisa's work I saw a fabulous little piece she had made using a green vase and an antique pot dolls head. I mentioned this in passing to Lisa and she talked me through the idea and how it came about. A few weeks later Lisa had found a similar type of vase and asked if I'd like an automata creating from it. The piece is fabulous! Lisa made a beautiful hardwood base which holds the mechanism and the vase. She had sourced another antique dolls head and hand turned a hat which fits perfectly. The vase was burned slightly to darken the wood so you have a wonderful contrast in the different shades of wood going through the piece. If you see something in Lisa's portfolio of work or indeed have your own ideas for a piece it's definitely worth having a chat as commissions take on many different forms. I'm thrilled with it and so pleased I spoke to Lisa.
I've been fascinated by Jig Dolls I was lucky enough to pick one up at an antiques shop in Beaumaris but he was in a pretty sorry state. I contacted Lisa to see if she would be up for making me a stand for him. Lisa took him away and started researching the history of Jig Dolls. Mr Jolly Boy would originally have had a hat, so she turned a replica one which looks great. He was missing the original handle so she turned one of those too. I'd had an idea for a stand as I knew where I wanted to place him in my house and Lisa quickly brought that to life. She also sourced a nice piece of Walnut as a dancing board. The overall effect is superb and I'm over the moon with the renovation. He now lives in my dining room . Lisa even ended up making her own Jig Doll as a result so fingers crossed there's more to come as they're great fun. If you have an idea or a restoration that you need a hand with, Lisa comes fantastically recommended!
James Hall - Moorehouse
January 2023
