Rusty-the-Magician
Callendar House, Falkirk Museums
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"Rusty the Magician" is making it fun for visitors to make donations at Callendar House.
With bells and beasties whirring and ringing "Rusty" entertains as well as
encourages donations. Rusty is a kinetic sculpture commissioned by Falkirk
Council from world-famous sculptor Edward Bersudsky whose"Sharmanka Travelling
Circus" exhibition was a huge hit at Callendar House last year.
Entry to Callendar House was made free at the beginning of 2006 but visitors
often ask to make donations to help with the work of the museum.
The success of the Sharmanka exhibition inspired the decision to ask Edward
Bersudsky to work his particular magic in creating a "collection box ".
The result was Rusty: a top-hatted bear carved from Burr Elm, which grows in
Callendar Woods, incorporating bits and pieces of mechanical items inspired by
the Council's industrial collection. These include blades from a grass mower and
a brass letter box in which money can be "posted". Intricately carved animals
which turn handles and ring bells and a glittering, gold spider which whizzes
round on Rusty's nose whenever money is inserted make donations fun for children
and grown-ups alike.
Rusty stands in the entrance hall of the house and is now a big talking point
for visitors.