Musical swan is back in action

The swan dates from 1773

An 18th century musical silver swan that has been restored is back in operation in the Bowes Museum in County Durham from 1 December.

The automaton at the museum in Barnard Castle was taken apart and its parts were catalogued.

Yorkshire clockmaker Matthew Read carried out the three-month dismantling project behind a see-through screen.

Mark Twain mentioned the life-size swan in his book The Innocents Abroad, after seeing it at the 1867 Paris Exhibition.

The swan dates from 1773 and was first seen a year later at the Mechanical Museum of James Cox, a London showman and dealer.

The internal mechanism is by John Joseph Merlin, a famous inventor of the time.

During its 40-second performance the swan rests on a stream made of twisted glass and turns its head.