English, late 1970's,
constructed using paper, card, wire, glue, recycled pencils, plastic beads, cotton wool, wood, and fabric affixed to a circular wooden base, the model depicting elements from Emett's 'HMS Pussiewillow I', housed in Perspex case; 21in x 22 1/2in x 20 1/2in (53.5cm x 57cm x 52cm); model on 12in diameter wooden base, together with a poster of an ink and watercolour drawing by Emett of 'Pussiewillow II' at the Smithsonian Institute, framed and glazed, overall 33in x 25in (84cm x 63.5cm),
2

Footnotes

Since publishing the sale we have learnt that this is believed to be a model for the 'Pussiewillow III' clock situated at the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Basildon, Essex, and not 'Pussiewillow I' as catalogued. The clock was commissioned by Basildon New Town in 1981.

With thanks to The Rowland Emett Society.

It is thought 'HMS Pussiewillow I' stood for a while in the Marshal Field's State Street store in Chicago. It was part of a 'British Showcase' held in the store to mark the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in September 1977. The 'Featherstone Kite' and the 'Exploratory Lunacycle' also created by Emett were also on display, but the 'Pussiewillow' was supposed to be there for 'an indefinite period'.

For more information on Rowland Emett, please see footnote to previous lot.

Provenance:
Gifted to the vendor's father who worked with Emett.

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Frederick Rowland Emett (British, 1906-1990): A Scale model of Emett's automaton 'HMS Pussiewillow I', English, late 1970's,

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Jon Baddeley