What is Swan? A short documentary at The Bowes Museum by Howell Media
- Andy McIlvain
- 14 hours ago
- 1 min read
Video from Howell Media
What is Swan? A short documentary at The Bowes Museum by Howell Media
"Discover the magic of the Silver Swan! Howell Media takes you behind the scenes at Bowes Museum to reveal the enchanting story and intricate craftsmanship of this mechanical marvel." from the video introduction
The Silver Swan Story
30 Jan 2019
"Initially, made to impress emperors and their visitors, the fantastic Silver Swan had a bit of an adventure before joining The Bowes Museum’s collection and enchanting everyone that visits the Museum.
The Silver Swan was first recorded in 1774 as a crowd puller in the Mechanical Museum of James Cox, a London jeweller and 18th century entrepreneur. The internal mechanism designed by John Joseph Merlin, a famous inventor of the time, is an intricate clock like mechanism that powers the delicate movements of the Swan’s neck. James Cox was so acclaimed after making the Silver Swan, that he was asked by the Russian court to create a bespoke automaton to adorn their parties. Hence, the famous Peacock Clock, now hosted by the Hermitage Museum, was created.
The beautiful Silver Swan has a similar story, it was demanded by royalty that ended up changing their minds. The Swan never sailed away to faraway lands, remaining in the UK to be exhibited in the ‘Spring Garden’, James Cox’s curiosities museum. In mid 19th century, jeweller Harry Emanuel, who must have been in the possession of the Silver Swan at the time, exhibited it in the famous Paris International Exhibition..." from the website thebowesmuseum.org