The Swiss art of automatons

The intricate artisanship evident in both the watches and the automatons of Switzerland has been passed down the ages.

These specialist skills have now been judged worthy of a place on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. These long-established traditions are inscribed alongside such preeminent cultural specimens as the Argentine Tango, Chinese Calligraphy and Indian Yoga.

The mountainside atelier of skilled artisan Francois Junod brings mechanical artworks to life, gives metallic birds voice and captures long-dead poets creating their literary masterpieces.

The genius Leonardo da Vinci is the object of Junod’s latest creation. This automaton’s eyes blink as they travel across the page, intensely tracking the figure’s quill.

The honour of being recognised by UNESCO could revitalise this dwindling craft, which might hail the dawn of a new era for Junod. Despite the ubiquitous microchip, the captivating wizardry and enigmatic appeal of these old-fashioned ‘robots’ may yet sustain demand for Junod’s skills. View Less