Friday Folk
A FASCINATION for fairground attractions has inspired self-taught craftsman Tom Lupton to revive a lost skill.
The 51-year-old has spent the last year working on a coin-operated automaton, depicting an guillotine execution during the French Revolution.
"l've always been fascinated by automatons since I saw my first one at Blackpool Pleasure Beach as a boy," said Tom, of Hilton Road, Darwen.
"The French Revolution has always been my favourite period of history.
"So I decided to put my two interests together for the project."
The freelance artist, who lost both of his legs due to defect in his lymph glands, is hoping to create a mini personal collection. He said: "Unfortunately, there are not many of the old-style automatons left.
"Ones made by the greats like Pellier can fetch up to £100,000 at auction.
"It breaks my heart to think of all the magnificent works of art that have been destroyed over the years to make room for more modern attractions."
Tom's has already started his next automaton, depicting the execution of Anne Boleyn.
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