-Hall's Liliput Bank c. 1877

This is John Hall's "Liliput Bank," a cast iron mechanical bank. Its playful structure features a domed roof, a latticed pavilion, and a tiny figure that invites interaction. The dome, delineated by strong vertical lines, is perched atop a cube-like structure, creating a contrast between rounded and angular forms. This juxtaposition gives the bank a whimsical yet architectural presence. The colour scheme is subdued, dominated by shades of pastel green and brown, which lend it an antique feel. The structural elements—the lines, lattice, and dome—aren't just decorative. They're integral to the bank's function, inviting users to deposit coins in a performative display. Hall's Liliput Bank, in its intricate design, questions the boundaries between sculpture, architecture, and the everyday object. The bank's structural components operate both aesthetically and practically, as art and commerce intersect.