The Flying Riever

Keith Newstead Automata was commissioned by the Museum to produce a life size automata which is now suspended from the roof of the entrance atrium.

The automata acts as signpost, directing visitors to the various galleries, shop, and toilets. Keith’s first concept was 'The Flying Museum Guide'. Although we liked the idea, we asked if the figure could have more of a connection with the history of Carlisle. So Keith changed the museum guide to a Border Reiver.

Our Flying Reiver is riding a bicycle, cunningly disguised as a horse, and displays moving copies of the exhibits that can be discovered in the museum. Each group of fake exhibits will be accompanied by a sign, pointing in the direction of the galley where the real exhibits can be found.

The automata can be operated by people dropping any coin into a free standing donations box on the floor below.