William Heath Robinson was a cartoonist, illustrator and painter, whose name became a byword for absurdly complicated machinery designed to achieve simple objectives. An artist of international standing, whose work, whether in his well-known humorous drawings or his illustrations for Kipling, Shakespeare or his own children’s stories, is integral to the fabric of British cultural heritage.

Michael Rosen, writer, broadcaster and Professor of Children's Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London, said: “Heath Robinson is an artist who helped several generations of us to look at how we co-exist with the buildings, machines, cities and wars that society has created. Through meticulous exaggeration he created thousands of mini-satires but because these are often called 'cartoons', he is often relegated to a status below that of fine art or serious art. He deserved better - much better - and this museum is a great opportunity for us to do that."

[quote=Michael Rosen, Professor of Children's Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London]"Heath Robinson is an artist who helped several generations of us to look at how we co-exist with the buildings, machines, cities and wars that society has created."[/quote]

A major attraction for Pinner

Thanks to support from National Lottery players, this new museum will be a major attraction for Pinner, where Heath Robinson lived in Moss Lane for many years. It represents a significant addition to the national arts, educational and cultural landscape, and is the only museum dedicated to Heath Robinson, hosting the largest collection of his original works.

Stuart Hobley, Head of HLF London, said: “Heath Robinson was a wonderfully humorous and influential cartoonist and illustrator, and we are delighted that money from National Lottery players has helped to create a place for the public to see his marvellous works.”

The Heath Robinson Museum is for students of illustration, lovers of landscape paintings, dads building contraptions in sheds, believers in fairies, children with time to dream, couples stuck in tiny flats, people who put holes in cheese and anyone who’s ever held something together with a bit of string.

The museum will feature a rolling programme of special themed exhibitions for people of all ages.

For more information, visit the Heath Robinson Museum website.