Automaton

Title: Psycho

Producer: Maskelyne, John Nevil

Date: 1873-1874

Accession number: 34.144

Measurements: whole: 1280 x 620 x 710 mm

Nevil Maskelyne constructed this automaton, named 'Psycho', in the guise of an oriental magician. He played thousands of performances at the Egyptian Hall in Piccadilly. According to the 'Times': 'Psycho could spell words with lettered cards, answer mathematical problems, perform conjuring tricks, and smoke cigarettes incessantly. His most famous feat was playing whist or nap with members of the audience - games which he played honestly and by no means always won. He was a sufficient celebrity to be the subject of a 'Punch' cartoon.' Part of Psycho was removed before he was donated to the Museum and no-one has figured out how he was capable of such amazing exploits.
Figure with a moustache, dressed in oriental clothing, seated cross-legged at a table with a cigarette holder playing cards.
Figure with a moustache, dressed in oriental clothing, seated cross-legged at a table with a cigarette holder playing cards.
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