Unravelling the Hours with François Junod: The Master Craftsman Resurrecting the Ancient Art of Automata

A grand wizard in the realm of mechanics, François Junod, is rallying a resurgence in the long-forgotten art of automata. Commencing his career with grounding in micromechanics, sculpture, and drawing, Junod ultimately found himself spiralling into the depths of automata, a field that seamlessly interlaces all his chosen areas. He returned to his homeland, Sainte-Croix, in 1984, single-handedly rekindling the flame of this once-flickering art form and rightfully earning the title of the world’s finest automata creator.

Sainte-Croix, a serene Swiss village, houses Junod’s whimsical studio, overflowing with a stunning assortment of curious mechanical treasures. While an unassuming facade engulfs his workspace, a closer observation reveals remarkable quirks hinting at the marvels nestled within. Inside, his abode is replete with vibrant sculptures, intricate crafts, and dramatic installations seemingly sprung out from a surreal dream.

This surreal workshop is not merely a sanctuary of past masterpieces. Instead, it plays host to the bright future of mechanical art in the making. Under Junod’s astute direction, an energetic team relentlessly weaves their creative magic, crafting complex mechanical animations, setting the stage for the renaissance of an art form that had lain dormant for too long. A visit to Junod’s atelier plants you squarely in the intersection of the past, present, and future of automata.