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Heath Robinson Contraptions edited by Geoffrey Beare
01/09/2007 . Source: Geoff Willmetts 
pub: Duckworth Overlook. 192 page illustrated hardback. Price: £18.99 (UK), $35.00 (US), $ 43.50 (CAN). ISBN: 978-0-7156-3694-7. Buy Heath Robinson Contraptions in the USA - or Buy Heath Robinson Contraptions in the UK  check out website: www.ducknet.co.uk
You might not have seen the pictures but you undoubtedly have heard of devices being compared to that of the work of William Heath Robinson for their totally unorthodox approach. He was an artist of the early 20th century who actually started off as a landscape painter until to make money he began illustrating children's books and advertising. After one publisher went bust, Heath Robinson needed to make money and got 'The Tatler' to accept some work showing ingenious ways and gadgets to get things done. The rest is history as they say and Heath Robinson made his mark in history and got his name remembered. This book does point out an earlier and later artist who illustrated in a similar vein but it was Heath Robinson who found the hearts of the public. His influence to the modern day is still here. Indeed, animator Nick Park took a leaf from the Heath Robinson book for much of his character Wallace's gadgets.
If there was a long way around to do something then Heath Robinson would portray it in his illustrations. If a situation seemed impossible for leisure and sport activities like in a block of flats, Heath Robinson would show ingenuity in how to do it. His illustrations walked through all sorts of life and weather, often with cats watching what the humans were doing. Granted much has changed since his last pictures circa 1944 but the humour is immortal simply from its absurdity.
I've tried to include a few examples here but the size of illustration does allow for great detail. If you have a taste for humorous fantasy illustration then you will not only love and cherish this book but will ensure you show your friends it guardedly so they don't run off with it. If they ask why the cover is upside down then clearly they need to see the inside contents and realise Heath Robinson's way is never obvious and if there is a longer way to get something done, he found it. Magnificent!
GF Willmetts
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