W. Heath Robinson
British illustrator / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about W. Heath Robinson?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
William Heath Robinson (31 May 1872 ā 13 September 1944) was an English cartoonist, illustrator and artist, best known for drawings of whimsically elaborate machines to achieve simple objectives.[1]
W. Heath Robinson | |
---|---|
Born | (1872-05-31)31 May 1872 Hornsey Rise, Middlesex, England |
Died | 13 September 1944(1944-09-13) (aged 72) London, England |
Occupation(s) | Illustrator, cartoonist and artist |
Known for | Drawings of odd contraptions |
The earliest citation in the Oxford English Dictionary for the use of "Heath Robinson" as a noun describing any unnecessarily complex and implausible contrivance is from 1917.[2][3] A "Heath Robinson contraption" is perhaps most commonly used in relation to temporary fixes using ingenuity and whatever is to hand, often string and tape, or unlikely cannibalisations. Its continuing popularity was undoubtedly linked to Britain's shortages during the Second World War and the need to "make do and mend".