Could you design a Heath Robinson style gadget?

In the 1930s Heath Robinson was known as ‘The Gadget King’ and is still most widely remembered, not only for his humorous illustrations and drawing of complicated machines, but his unusual gadgets made out of all sorts of things.

The Heath Robinson Museum, in Pinner Memorial Park, has launched a competition for children and young people is to design a gadget just like Heath Robinson used to.

Entries will be judged in five age groups: four to seven, eight to 11, 11 to 14, 14 to 18 and 18 to 25 years old.

The museum is known for its high and intricate ceilings, but these reportedly come with problems. They are asking entrants to help by designing a Heath Robinson style gadget that would help to change the light bulbs in rooms with high ceilings.

Designs can be in the form of drawings, plans, animations or 3D models. Each must be submitted as a good quality JPG via email. Shortlisted entries will then be displayed in an exhibition in the museum and the adjoining West House in September, when a winner from each age group will be chosen.

Entries needs to be in by July 31, 2017 at learning@heathrobinsonmuseum.org

Download entry forms and competition rules from heathrobinsonmuseum.org/education