Like clockwork

Miniature devices, full of clockwork-powered moving treasure and delight make for a fascinating exhibition at Mermaid Arts Centre, in Bray, Co Wicklow.

An octopus’s many arms play a drum kit; mermaids swim in the waves; twirl the handle for an automated wheel of fortune cardgame; a ruddy-faced fisherman plays a one-armed bandit and his head wobbles delightfully.

The second-year students of the Model Making, Design and Digital Effects BA course at Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology, designed and built the 22 gorgeous, intricate and amusing automaton donation boxes that form this Bray, Day and Night exhibition.

Each piece is a modern take on that most traditional of popular entertainment – mechanical forerunners to today's sophisticated electronics – and all are loosely based on the theme of capturing the essence of the seaside town. At Mermaid Arts Centre, Main Street, Bray, until February 28th; mermaidartscentre.ie.