Robert Race is identified on his passport as a toymaker, but his work covers a wide range: Moving toys for children and adults; simple automata; kinetic sculpture; exhibition design; mobile decorations for hospitals and restaurants; donation boxes and interactive collections of toys for museums.
His work is widely exhibited in Britain, Europe and beyond. He is a member, and past Chairman, of the British Toymakers Guild.
He makes things which move in simple but interesting ways: Traditional toys have influenced him strongly, and he has travelled in Europe, Indonesia, Mexico, India and Japan in search of them.
His moving toys and simple automata incorporate a wide range of natural, re-used and recycled materials. Much recent work is in driftwood, because collecting it gives him a good excuse for going to the seaside.
Stand 41