Leotard Sand Acrobat – SOLD

A rare original Leotard Sand Acrobat automaton, made in London and dating from 1865. In original working order. Made with perfect precision of dimension and and meticulously weighted materials to enact the most fluid and entertaining performance. This ‘Sand Automaton’ has been replicated many times but never with anything resembling the same satisfying and hypnotic performance as the original 1860’s versions. The fame of Jules Leotard is credited to his invention of the ‘Flying Trapeze’ (letting go, somersaulting in midair and catching the trapeze again) whilst wearing a little knitted costume with no arms and legs which became known as the ‘Leotard’. He was said to be so handsome that Ladies would faint when he came on stage. It may be instructive to see some of the early images to be found online of the man himself. Fully restored and serviced to perform his circumlocutions for another century with unnerring aplomb. VIDEO HERE £SOLD