Talk report – Keeping it simple
June 2025 – Keeping it simple: making moving toys and automata – Robert Race
On his old UK passport, Bob Race describes his occupation as ‘Toy Maker’. He gave up working for Wiltshire County Council in 1977 and began making dolls’ houses, the first of which sold immediately it was placed on display in the window of a shop in Frome Road. Bob then began making one-twelfth size miniature furniture and small, simple toys. In particular, objects which move in sometimes lifelike and surprising ways, perhaps by turning a handle or pulling a string.
Bob developed a keen interest in the traditional toymaking of other cultures, among them those of Mexico, Indonesia, the Indian sub-continent and a number of African and European countries. He showed us examples of many fascinating toys and explained the simple yet sophisticated mechanisms which make them perform in unexpected ways, devices which have inspired Bob in his own endeavours. Following the example of other cultures, Bob employs found materials including wood, stone, metal and, latterly, plastic. An important source is the beach and one of his favoured locations is Chesil Beach in Dorset. There may be found fragments of driftwood which are often attractively weathered and so exude a special character.
Bob adheres to his principle of ‘keeping things simple’ but this does not preclude him producing a seemingly endless range of what he always refers to as ‘toys’. These are guaranteed to amuse and captivate adults as well as children. Indeed, it is certain that Bob’s work has, for many years, raised smiles among those who have come into contact with it. He most certainly mesmerised a very full audience at the second of our monthly talks.
Roger Jones