Sunday 20 February 2022

Heath Robinson's 150th birthday - 3 exhibitions celebrate artist whose name is in English dictionary

 2022 marks the 150th birthday of William Heath Robinson, the much-loved English cartoonist, illustrator and artist, whose name is synonymous with whimsically complicated machines and inventions. His ideas were way ahead of his time.

Born in Islington on May 31st 1872, he became famous for his gently satirical cartoons and exquisitely ornate book illustrations.

The Heath Robinson Museum, based in Pinner, London, his home between 1908 and 1918, will be celebrating with a programme of events throughout 2022 including three exhibitions.

Heath Robinson's Children's Stories exhibition of the children’s books that he both wrote and illustrated, 15th January - 15th May

The Humour of William Heath Robinson exhibition 21st May 2022 – 4th September 2022

Scene through Wood exhibition from the Ashmolean Museum celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Society of Wood Engravers, from 10th September to 11th December, featuring the finest wood engravings of the past century including work by Albrecht Dürer and William Blake

The museum was built in 2016 to display the UK’s largest collection of Heath Robinson drawings encompassing his famous contraptions as well as beautiful book illustrations. Visitors can explore Heath Robinson’s life and artistic development in their permanent gallery which features a timeline, original artworks and interactive exhibits.

Heath Robinson Museum, Pinner Memorial Park, West End Lane, Pinner HA5 1AE heathrobinsonmuseum.org. Opening Times: Thursday – Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Entry Fee: Included in cost of museum entry.