W. Heath Robinson – part 12

William Heath Robinson (1872 – 1944) was an English illustrator and cartoonist, best known for his drawings of complicated machines for achieving simple objectives. “Heath Robinson Contraption” is a phrase that entered the language during WW1 in Britain, and later in the United States.

William wrote and illustrated three highly successful children’s books (The Adventures of Uncle Lubin 1902, Bill the Minder 1912, Peter Quip in Search of a Friend 1933) as well as illustrating numerous others.

In the run up to WW1, Robinson became known for a series of drawings in magazines such as The Sketch and The Tatler, many of which I will be featuring in this comprehensive look at his work.

This is part 12 of a 20 – part series on the works of W. Heath Robinson

1914 A Midsummer Night's Dream:

Cover

Title Page

Frontispiece

Theseus. Now, fair Hippolyta, our nuptial hour Draws on apace.

Lysander.  ... and she, sweet lady, dotes, Devoutly dotes, dotes in idolatry, Upon this spotted and inconstant man.

Helena. And therefore is wing'd Cupid painted blind.

Helena. Wings, and no eyes, figure unheedy haste.

Bottom. I will move storms, I will condole in some measure.

Puck. How now, spirit! Wither wander you?

Fairy. Are not you he That frights the maidens of the villagery:

Fairy. Mislead night wanderers, laughing at their harm?

Fairy. Those that Hobgoblin call you, and sweet Puck, You do their work, and they shall have good luck.

Puck. And on her withered dewlap pour the ale.

Bottom. Down topples she.

Titania. Playing on pipes of corn, and versing love To amorous Phillida.

Oberon. And ... break his faith, With Ariadne.

Titania. To dance our ringlets to the whistling wind.

Titania. Full often hath she gossip'd by my side.

Oberon. Yet mark'd I when the bolt of Cupid fell.

Second Fairy. One aloof stand sentinel.

Oberon. What thou seest, when thou dost wake, Do it for thy true love take.

Hermia. ( Awakening. ) Help me, Lysander, help me!

PUCK.

Bottom. Are we all met?

Puck. Through brake, through briar.

Oberon. I with the morning's love have oft made sport.

Demetrius. Thou runaway, thou coward, art thou fled?

Helena. O weary night, O long and tedious night.

Oberon. Trip we after the night's shade.

Snug. Masters, the Duke is coming from the temple.

Oberon. Meet me all by break of day.

Puck. So, good night unto you all.