Novelty Automation

Heritage attraction

Explorer Tom

Novelty Automation in Holborn is full of handmade machines that treat ordinary life as a ridiculous arcade game, and Tom insists he has finally found his mechanical cousins. They are Tim Hunkin's inventions. Put a token in, follow the joke and see how much engineering hides behind the laughter. Hunkin built this small London arcade as a home for satirical coin-operated machines, with guest pieces by other makers. It is related to his Under the Pier Show in Southwold, but this is the Princeton Street collection, not a seaside pier. Moving parts, drawings and sly instructions work together; the amusement often arrives a second after you realise what the machine is teasing. The craft matters as much as the punchline, so look at the mechanisms where you can. Tom imagines a machine that grades his tall tales and jams at the first sentence. No such contraption is promised, which may be just as well for him. The venue's own site lists its Holborn address and current visiting times. Check these before travelling, as the arcade is small and hours can change around events. Entry is generally free, while playing machines needs tokens purchased there. Bring curiosity and enough time to try several different inventions rather than rushing to one famous machine. Respect any posted instructions, especially where a device asks you to place a hand or foot; you can always watch first. The address is 1a Princeton Street, a short walk from Holborn station, not the Southwold pier. Tom is still looking for a machine brave enough to check his stories. Try the real inventions and laugh at their wonderfully human flaws.

What is recorded here

Map note: Novelty Automation is recorded near London, London Borough of Camden, England as a heritage attraction. It made the map, and that is an invitation to be curious.

From OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors) n3397886782

This does not grant access. Check current paths, opening conditions and ownership before entering.