Welcome to The House of Automata, home to the largest collection of automata in the UK and a place where artistry, history, and mechanical magic come to life.

The House of Automata is run by the Start family, Michael and Maria Start—Michael, an award-winning horologist and author of Secrets of Automata, Maria, a talented sculptor and painter—together with their son Hector, a fine arts graduate who keep these intricate machines in perfect working order.

With more than 30 years of experience restoring and conserving automata, we have worked with collectors, museums, and auction houses worldwide. Our reputation has also led us to the film industry, where our Automata appeared in Hugo, The Woman in Black, The Repair Shop, and multiple episodes of The Restorers.

Originally based in London, we moved to Forres over 20 years ago and now welcome visitors into our unique exhibition space and workshop ust off the High Street. Here, you’ll find around over 250 Automata, from enchanting Victorian figures to playful interactive machines. Some Automata have fascinating histories, belonging to notable figures such as Ian Fleming, Roger Daltrey and Johnny Depp.

Robotic and intelligent, Automata are machines that have been made to entertain and impress for over 2000 years. Once owned only by Sultans, Emperors and Kings, the artisans of 19th century found a way to make Automata available to everyone.

Technology and Art combined, weaving together stories and poetry into marvellous moving sculptures. Automata are the predecessors to the modern world of computers and AI and so part of the timeless quest to make artificial life.

Whether you are a lifelong enthusiast, artist, collector or simply curious, The House of Automata exhibition and workshop is a place where imagination and mechanics come alive.