Sam French has a bulging biog' of droppable names. A background in textiles and fashion alongside a career as a model maker has seen her work for animation studios such as Cosgrove Hall and companies such as Mackinnon & Saunders.

Allegedly, 'previous projects have included every under-five's favourite penguin, Pingu'. Under-fives? Having any association with Pingu is supercool in my book.

Automata

So, down to business. French uses embroidery and weaving techniques with sheet metals, wires and beads to produce automata. But don't expect the Meccano-in-motion of TV's Robot Wars.

This is finger-trembling filligree (work of fine detail) - rooting it in the crafts of jewellery and embroidery. So seeing it within the prettified confines of the craft centre makes full sense.

French's colourful creations can be pulled along by chords, or wound up by mechanical arms. Here, though, they're presented in glass cases.

Nonetheless, they're characterful and pure fun - it's strange how the boggle-eyed crab follows you round the room.

Alongside are some exquisite etchings: 'Green Lizard' is pictured directly from above, so that hung on some lucky soul's wall it'd look every inch the gecko. Genius.

The conclusion? Automata encapsulates the true magic of art, showing what's possible with some material and imagination.

TIM BIRCH

Manchester Craft & Design Centre, to June 26 (823 4274)

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