Linkogram / Linkograph Drawing Machine developed and built by Dr Jack Tait, Clyro, Herefordshire, England, 2012

This analogue drawing machine is part of a group of machines developed and built by Jack Tait as part of his work over 50 years investigating the role of machines in making art and specifically how simple instructions can create complexity. The final drawings created by the machines are known as ‘taitographs.’

The Linkogram machine was developed to both mimic and extend the type of image which is produced by the 19century harmonograph that uses pendulums to move a pen on a drawing surface creating geometric images. Tait added a turntable and a synchronous pen lift to the classic actions of the harmonograph.

It is called a Linkogram because it works by means of linkages and can produce far more complexity and variety of image than the harmonograph. The pattern is both controlled and repeatable which is essential if a drawing machine is to be a design tool.

The Linkogram is given instructions by a programmable timer which often includes a proportion of quasi-randomness. The machine is 'programmed' by the ratios chosen to drive the speed of the linkages and by the exact start points of the main drive wheels. Given accurate recording of settings and resetting, an image can be repeated to near 'registration' precision.