please empty your brain below
Absolutely loved Heath Robinson books at primary school, but his work has completely disappeared from my radar since. Never had a reason to visit Pinner before either, and now I have. Thank you.

Frank F | 17.10.16 - 7:42 a.m. | #

I too loved the Heath Robinson books, I lived just up the road at Ruislip back in the 1960's.
On my next trip to the UK in May'17 I will visit.

Thanks DG for the information.

michael | 17.10.16 - 8:02 a.m. | #

One of the delights of childhood was our 'Professor Branestawm' book with its Heath Robinson illustrations.

The pancake-making machine was a particular favourite, with every part of the process absurd yet logical. The Professor uses his right hand to mix the batter in a huge tub. The pancake is fried using a candle under the frying pan. A weighted coal scuttle decends on a lever mechanism triggered by a piece of knotted string (foot operated) to toss the pancake and finally the left hand pulls another piece of knotted sting to operate an overhead lever which squeezes a lemon over the ascending pancake.

Wonderful! The very essence of why the name 'Heath Robinson' has joined our language.

RayL | 17.10.16 - 8:08 a.m. | #

I wonder how long the expression "Heath Robinson" will be used for describing complex machinery/contraptions.
In the 1960's I regularly heard the term, but it does not seem so common now. Possibly because modern devices have unseen workings, often electronic and digital, unlike older technology which you could see.
I wonder if Gerard Hoffnung, - who among other things drew humorous illustrations of complicated musical instruments-was influence by Robinson's work.
Looks like a visit to Pinner for next Spring.

John | 17.10.16 - 9:09 a.m. | #

@John: Your mention of Gerard Hoffnung brought back memories as I was always fascinated by the book of his that my parents had, and probably still do!

While the name is vaguely familiar, (probably from on here!), I cant say I've heard of Heath Robinson. But as a resident of Harrow Borough, it's no difficulty for me to pop over to the new museum.
And I'll take my parents with me!

Cornish Cockney | 17.10.16 - 9:20 a.m. | #

Here's Catherine's review:
http://workshopshed.com/2016/10/heath-robinson-museum

diamond geezer | Homepage | 17.10.16 - 3:42 p.m. | #

Heath Robinson had an American analogue in Rube Goldberg, who was active around the same time.

timbo | 17.10.16 - 4:26 p.m. | #

Thanks dg - a great review. Sunday certainly a better day for uncrowded photographs.

Dave | Homepage | 17.10.16 - 8:09 p.m. | #

My seven year old son was so excited to find out about the museum. Looking forward to seeing it soon.

Martin Bayes | 18.10.16 - 12:19 a.m. | #

That's my Friday spoken for then! Thanks DG, hadn't even heard of it before reading this.

Anyone recommend somewhere good for lunch in the area?

Simon | 19.10.16 - 5:20 p.m. | #

Pinner High Street has several independent cafes/pubs/restaurants, plus a Cafe Rouge, Prezzo and Carluccio's.

London's Metro-land peaks here.

Daisy's cafe at West House, beside the museum, would also be more than pleased to see you.

diamond geezer | Homepage | 19.10.16 - 5:50 p.m. | #

I went and it was rather fun. Many thanks for the tip off.

Not sure if it's a permanent thing, but they were only accepting cash on the day I went, both for entry and for purchases from the shop (of which I made a modest but pleasing one). There appear to be a plague of ATMs in Pinner itself, so it may be worth readers paying a visit to one of them before the stroll to the museum.

Simon | 24.10.16 - 3:14 p.m. | #











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