Heath Robinson Museum facts for kids
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| Established | 15 October 2016 |
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| Location | 50 West End Lane, Pinner HA5 1AE, London |
| Type | Art museum |
The Heath Robinson Museum is a special place in Pinner, northwest London. It celebrates the amazing work of William Heath Robinson (1872–1944). He was a famous artist, illustrator, and humorist. The museum officially opened on October 15, 2016. Michael Rosen, a well-known children's writer, helped open it. This museum was the first new, purpose-built museum in Greater London in over 40 years!
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About William Heath Robinson
William Heath Robinson was born in 1872 and passed away in 1944. He was a very talented British artist. People knew him for his funny drawings and cartoons. He often drew complicated, silly machines that did simple tasks in very difficult ways. These drawings made many people laugh. His unique style made him a beloved humorist.
His Artistic Journey
Heath Robinson came from a family of artists. Both his father and brothers were also illustrators. He started his career illustrating children's books and fairy tales. Later, he became famous for his humorous drawings. These often showed absurd inventions and comical situations. His work was popular in magazines and advertisements.
Creating the Museum
Building the Heath Robinson Museum took a lot of effort. The William Heath Robinson Trust started a campaign in October 2013. They wanted to raise money to create a home for his art. The project received a big grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. This funding helped make the museum a reality. Many local people and businesses also gave generous donations.
What You Can See
The museum has two main galleries. One gallery shows a permanent collection of Heath Robinson's work. You can see his illustrations and artworks there. The other gallery hosts special exhibitions. These themed shows change every three months. This means there is always something new to discover! The museum is located in Pinner Memorial Park. It is easy to reach from Pinner tube station.
The Museum's Collection
The museum's collection began with William Heath Robinson's daughter, Joan. When she passed away, her husband wanted her father's art to be available to the public. So, the William Heath Robinson Trust was formed in 1992. The first collection had about 500 original artworks. It also included letters, special books, and other items.
Growing the Collection
In 2015, the museum's collection grew even more. The National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Art Fund helped the Trust buy 400 more important works. This brought the total collection to nearly 1,000 pieces. It is the largest collection of Heath Robinson's work that the public can see. The museum is a wonderful place to explore his creative and funny world.
