Probably my favourite toy from the 60's was the Spiro-matic, a psychedelic art machine for kids. I got one for Christmas the year they first came out in 1969 and made many a masterpiece on it!!I actually have the original toy (that's mine above) and it is still in perfect working order with all the bits & pieces that came with it.
Much to my amazement, however, when I was looking to see how much info there was on the net about the toy, I could hardly find any references to it, and absolutely no images. So, because I thought there ought to be some kind of source on it readily available on the net, I decided to start my own wee blog dedicated to it a few weeks ago, called SPIRO-MATIC GALLERY. That has lots of images of the toy itself as well as examples of the artwork.
Some of you may know that in recent years, Spiro-matic artwork inspired Damien Hirst and David Bowie to do large scale versions of the idea. They were called spin paintings and I ventured along to the Saatchi Gallery in London a few years ago to see the Hirst display. Huge they were and they did bring a big smile to my face, especially with the thought that I was dabbling in this form of art way before Damien!
Anyway, if anyone is interested in viewing some original 60's efforts, here is the link http://spiromatic.blogspot.com/
I had one of these too when I was a kid had some brilliant fun with them.
ReplyDeletei also have one in the loft along with a spirograph .
ReplyDeleteI had one of these when I was a kid. I thought it was brilliant and when I tell my husband and children about it they think that I am a bit crazy being so enthusiastic about it, as they don't know what I am going on about. I am so glad that I found this site and I can now show them that there was such a thing and that other people do know about them! Yes, I also had a spirograph.
ReplyDeleteThis was the best toy ever and still evokes an excitement thinking about it. I can' think why no one's reissued it. Danger [possible lid flying off] violence [in the pictures] and colour - what more could a child want? I am so grateful to you for publishing this as I too have looked everywhere on the net for it - to no avail. My children thought I was making it up - surely children were never let loose with such a bomb !! How wonderful to still own one.
ReplyDeleteI also had one of these and am desperate to own one again.Do you know of anywhere I can buy one or if somebody is selling one?
ReplyDeleteI have one to sell, as new in box.
DeleteI remember mine well. Took it to school and had loads of fun with it in the early to mid 70's. Shame someone hasn't re-produced it.....for OUR generation. Cheers folks, Ann from Merton Park, SW20
ReplyDeleteI HAD ONE, I BOUGHT MY DAUGHTER SOMETHING SIMILAR ABOUT 15 YEAR AGO, HAD A DIFFERENT NAME THOUGH. LOVED THIS AS MY FAVOURITE TOY.
ReplyDeleteWe had one too, your right there is hardly any info on it. I would love to own one again. It was so much fun and who cares that i am an old git now...
ReplyDeleteIt's fantastic that you've kept the memory alive. There was a 3rd "spiro" toy which I had, SpiroFoil. This involved etching with the normal Spirograph wheels into foil sheets.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite toy - got it as a birthday present 1969 - my mum saved up for ages. I've still got it and it works - 2021 😁
ReplyDeleteI had one, only problem was that the colour bottles dried out after 20 years in the loft!
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