One Minute to Six

Nevil Maskelyne constructed this automaton, named 'Psycho', in the guise of an oriental magician. He played thousands of performances at the Egyptian Hall in Piccadilly. According to the 'Times': 'Psycho could spell words with lettered cards, answer mathematical problems, perform conjuring tricks, and smoke cigarettes incessantly. His most famous feat was playing whist or nap with members of the audience - games which he played honestly and by no means always won. He was a sufficient celebrity to be the subject of a 'Punch' cartoon.' Part of Psycho was removed before he was donated to the Museum and no-one has figured out how he was capable of such amazing exploits. -----------------------------------------------------------------

Joseph Johnson, known as 'Black Joe', was a seaman discharged from the Merchant Navy when he was wounded. He was not entitled to a seaman's pension nor could he claim parish relief, because he was born abroad. To earn money, Johnson became a street singer who built and wore a model of the sailing ship Nelson on his head.