Cornish Contraptions: A Celebration of Invention and Community in Redruth
Over four incredible days, Cornish Contraptions transformed Redruth into a hub of creativity, curiosity, and invention. With around 1,000 visitors, the exhibition brought new audiences to the town and showcased the innovative work of makers from our own Invention Club and around the area.
A Hands-On Exhibition That Drew Crowds to Redruth
Cornish Contraptions featured 30 unique machines and automata, created by 19 different makers aged between 15 and 86. Some were experienced in exhibiting, while for others, it was their first time showing their work to the public. The result? A dynamic and interactive space where people of all ages could turn cranks, push levers, and watch whimsical, ingenious machines come to life.
We gathered feedback from around 150 visitors, helping us understand the exhibition’s impact. Many people had come to Redruth specifically to see Cornish Contraptions, with some traveling from as far as Fowey and Bodmin. A family from Bodmin spent hours in town on St Piran’s Day, while a couple from Fowey made a special trip just to experience the exhibition. Those already in Redruth discovered something new and unexpected, adding vibrancy to their visit.
The exhibition also provided a boost to local businesses—at least two shopkeepers told us they had more customers as a direct result of the exhibition, with people exploring the town after visiting.
A Huge Step Forward for Fluxus Cornwall CIC
For us at Fluxus Cornwall CIC, this exhibition wasn’t just about sharing fun machines – it was about proving what we do.
Many of the contraptions on display were created by members of our Invention Club, who got to see their work tested by a real audience for the first time. The machines stood up to four solid days of bashing, turning, and playing, giving our makers valuable insight into how people interact with their creations.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, and the exhibition sparked new interest in our work.
- People with a range of skills came forward, offering to help on future projects.
- Others expressed interest in learning how to make things, eager to join our Invention Club and get involved.
- The event showed that hands-on, creative learning has a huge appeal across generations.
Above all, the feedback proves that Cornish Contraptions established Fluxus Cornwall CIC as a professional and capable organisation. It demonstrated the quality and impact of our work, proving that interactive invention has a place in Redruth’s cultural and community landscape.
What’s Next?
The success of Cornish Contraptions has inspired us to keep pushing forward. We want to:
Expand our Invention Club, welcoming new members of all ages and skill levels.
Develop more interactive exhibitions and projects, building on what we’ve learned.
Continue working with local businesses and the community, helping cement Redruth as a destination for creativity and invention.
We’re incredibly proud of what we achieved, and we’re just getting started. If you want to be part of the next stage, whether by joining the club, sharing skills, or supporting our work, get in touch!
Join our next Invention Club session – Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm at The Art Room, Redruth
A huge thank you to everyone who came, played, and supported us—we can’t wait to do it all again!
