Musical swan is back in action

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.

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