SPIRO-MATIC ARTWORK #11

If I was only able to use 1 example to show what a Spiro-matic could do, I would pick this one.

SPIRO-MATIC ARTWORK #10

Orange felt pen rings and a big splat of yellow paint!

SPIRO-MATIC ARTWORK #9

I've gone for the rainbow blobs look on this one!

SPIRO-MATIC ARTWORK #8

A red and white delight!

SPIRO-MATIC ARTWORK #7

Here's what happens when you use all the felt pens and all the paints!!

SPIRO-MATIC ARTWORK #6

Sometimes, just blue will do!

SPIRO-MATIC ARTWORK #5

A quick spin of red, white & blue!

SPIRO-MATIC ARTWORK #4

A couple of squirts of blue, white, yellow, and red ...and voila!!

SPIRO-MATIC ARTWORK #3

A simple design mainly using 2 coloured felt pens and producing a faded hit & miss effect.

SPIRO-MATIC ARTWORK #2

The 2nd example is a colourful sunburst design.

SPIRO-MATIC ARTWORK #1

To start the Spiro-matic art gallery off, here is the first example.
Click on the image to view the large version.

SPIRO-MATIC ART GALLERY

That just about covers the Spiro-matic toy and the box contents, now it's time for the Art Gallery...

SPIRO-MATIC POSTER DETAIL

This is a close-up of one of the panels on the poster.

SPIRO-MATIC POSTER

In with the box contents came this large fold-out poster showing a gallery of various designs.
Click image to view the large version.

SPIRO-MATIC METHODS

There was more than one way to make art using Spiro-matic, and here are a few methods demonstrated on their instruction sheet.
Click image to enlarge.

SPIRO-MATIC INSTRUCTIONS

Here is the basic lowdown on how to use Spiro-matic, as on their instructions sheet.
Click the image to enlarge.

SPIRO-MATIC CARDS

The box contents came with a free pack of Spiro-matic Art Cards. These were 7 x 5 inch blanks. Toy shops and stationers sold packs too, for when you needed fresh supplies.

SPIRO-MATIC ARTWORK

Once the abstract masterpiece is complete, take off the frame to remove the card, then clean the paint spatter from the workspace, and it's all ready for another go!

SWITCHING OFF SPIRO-MATIC

After letting the turntable spin for a minute or so to allow the paint to spread, it's time to switch it off and have a look at the finished artwork.

MAKING SPIRO-MATIC ART

Once the turntable is in full spin, add a few lines using the felt tip marker, squirt some liquid paint on, then let centrifugal force do the rest!

SPIRO-MATIC READY FOR ACTION

Once the blank card is in position and the batteries underneath are in place...it's all systems go..!!

PREPARING SPIRO-MATIC

Removing the white workspace cover creates more room to manoeuvre when fixing the blank card onto the turntable frame.

SPIRO-MATIC OUT THE BOX

Now for a look at the Spiro-matic itself.

It's size is 12in x 10in. The white frame is removable to allow you to place a blank card onto the turntable, as well as to get access to clean the workspace after a session.

The cards used are 7in x 5in.

Running along one side of the body are the holders for the paints & pens....and then it's ready for action!

THE BOX CONTENTS

So, off with the lid and a little look inside the box.
The polystyrene padding layout holds the 4 liquid paint bottles and 2 felt pens.
Underneath the padding you get a glimpse of the Spiro-matic turntable.
Sitting at the bottom of the box are the instructions, gallery and a set of blank art cards, all of which will be dipped into later.

THE SPIRO-MATIC BOX

Here's a look at the Spiro-matic box. 16in x 12in.
Made by Denys Fisher Toys Ltd who were based at Thorp Arch Trading Estate, Boston Spa in Yorkshire.
The trademark date is 1969.

SPIRO-MATIC INTRODUCTION

I'm gonna take you back to the 60's to one of my favourite toys from my childhood - SPIRO-MATIC - the psychedelic art machine for kids!
I have an original, in perfect working order and still with all the extra contents of the packaging intact. I'll be putting up a few photos of the toy itself as well as displaying as much of the artwork as possible, and will fill you in with some details along the way.
Let's give it a whirl..!!