Contrivance Collection

Diagram of a contrivance that may be converted into a drinking cup
1578317 Diagram of a contrivance that may be converted into a drinking cup; (add.info.: Diagram of a contrivance that may be converted into a drinking cup. Designed by Villard de Honnecourt)

Napiers Bones or Rods (engraving)
3653644 Napiers Bones or Rods (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Napiers Bones or Rods)

A Ride in a Ceylonese Tricycle (engraving)
1063183 A Ride in a Ceylonese Tricycle (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Ride in a Ceylonese Tricycle)

Comic postcard, Travelling on rollerskates, pulled by a tortoise Date: early 20th century

New Contrivance for the Rapid Raising or Lowering of Captive Balloons in the German Army (litho)
1598105 New Contrivance for the Rapid Raising or Lowering of Captive Balloons in the German Army (litho) by Wright, Henry Charles Seppings (1850-1937); Private Collection; (add.info)

What shall i put on? Bedside contrivance for the changeable season, to indicate the state of the weather
1090737 What shall i put on? Bedside contrivance for the changeable season, to indicate the state of the weather and what you should wear when you get up in the morning (litho) by Robinson

The Naval and Submarine Engineering Exhibition at Islington: 1. Sounding the Fog-Horn; 2
THE NAVAL AND SUBMARINE ENGINEERING EXHIBITION AT ISLINGTON: 1. Sounding the Fog-Horn; 2. Model of the Yacht Formosa formerly Owned by the Prince of Wales; 3

Pidgeon hole. A Convent [sic] Garden contrivance to coop up the gods, Rowlandson, Thomas, 1756-1827, engraving 1811, a close-up view of one of the pigeon holes which flanked the upper gallery at

Madeira - Transporting Hammock
Amongst the three best-known unusual means of transportation to have be found on the Portuguese Island of Madeira was the transporting hammock

Pidgeon Hole. A Convent [sic] Garden Contrivance To Coop Up The Gods, Rowlandson, Thomas, 1756-1827, Engraving 1811, A Close-up View Of One Of The pigeon Holes Which Flanked The Upper Gallery At

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"Contrivance: A Journey Through Ingenious Inventions" Step into the world of contrivances, where creativity and innovation know no bounds. From Napiers Bones or Rods to a Ceylonese Tricycle, every invention tells a story of human ingenuity. In an enchanting engraving titled "A Ride in a Ceylonese Tricycle, " we witness the fusion of tradition and modernity as people glide through the streets on this unique mode of transport. It's a testament to how they can bridge gaps between cultures and eras. Meanwhile, a comic postcard showcases another whimsical creation - travelling on rollerskates pulled by a tortoise. This imaginative contraption takes us back to simpler times when laughter was abundant and dreams knew no limits. The German Army presents its own marvel with the "New Contrivance for Rapid Raising or Lowering of Captive Balloons. " This litho captures the awe-inspiring sight as balloons ascend effortlessly into the sky, revolutionizing aerial exploration forever. But they are not limited to transportation alone; they also cater to our daily needs. Take, for instance, the bedside contrivance that indicates weather conditions and suggests appropriate attire upon waking up. No more guessing games - let technology guide your fashion choices. Renowned artist W Heath Robinson adds his touch with an illustration from "Railway Ribaldry. " His intricate litho depicts an amusing scenario where trains navigate absurd obstacles using ingenious mechanisms - proof that even in chaos, there is room for clever solutions. Moving away from railways but still within exhibition halls, we explore both The Great Exhibition's grand panorama and The Naval and Submarine Engineering Exhibition at Islington. These engravings capture moments frozen in time - showcasing technological advancements that left spectators awestruck. Not all they are meant solely for entertainment; some serve practical purposes too.