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. From antique dolls and animals that move with uncanny realism to modern creations, our collection delights visitors of all ages.

The House is run by Michael and Maria Start—Michael, an award-winning horologist and author of Secrets of Automata, and Maria, a talented sculptor and painter—together with their son Hector, a fine arts graduate who helps 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 creations appeared in Hugo, The Woman in Black, and multiple episodes of The Restorers. Among our more famous commissions are a sinister maraca-shaking monkey for The Woman in Black and a mechanical hand and head that inspired Martin Scorsese’s Hugo.

Originally based in London’s Bond Street, we moved to Forres over 20 years ago and now welcome visitors into our unique exhibition space—housed in a former cycle shop on the High Street. Here, you’ll find around 600 automata, from enchanting Victorian figures to playful coin-operated machines you can bring to life yourself. Some automata even carry fascinating histories, once belonging to notable figures such as James Bond author Ian Fleming.

Our passion is not just for the Automata themselves but for the craftsmanship and artistry they represent. Automata are not toys or robots; they are mechanical wonders designed to mimic life with charm, humour, and surprise. Each piece may contain hundreds of tiny parts, requiring delicate restoration, artistry, and engineering skill to preserve them for future generations.

Whether you are a lifelong enthusiast or simply curious, the House of Automata offers an unforgettable glimpse into a world where imagination and mechanics meet.