IT’S a bit of a Heath Robinson affair… We’ve all heard the phrase when we’ve been confronted by a makeshift machine that’s more ‘make do and mend’ than a hi-tech state-of-the-art gadget.

It derives from artist William Heath Robinson’s love of the absurd, highlighted in cartoons he drew during the First World War, depicting strange special weapons and crafty contraptions designed to bemuse the enemy.

The machines that the London-born genius drew were frequently powered by steam boilers or kettles, heated by candles or a spirit lamp, with pulleys and ropes usually pulled by balding, bespectacled men in overalls.

His work continued to raise morale both at the front and back home during the Second World War, earning him the respect and gratitude of troops and families throughout the UK.

Now, more than 50 of Heath Robinson’s drawings have gone on show in a special exhibition at National Trust property Mottisfont, in Hampshire, running through to Sunday April 14.

Demonstrating his ability to counter the horrors of war with gentle satire, the exhibition also includes transcripts of letters from servicemen, thanking him for his morale-raising efforts.

In each World War, Heath Robinson’s work was a counter to pompous German propaganda and the fear and depression engendered by the horrors of war.

“I believe that our sense of humour played a greater part than we were always aware of in saving us from despair during those days of trial,” he said later. 

Mottisfont is a romantic house and gallery set in beautiful riverside gardens near Romsey. Trees, brooks and rolling lawns frame the 18th century house with a medieval priory at its heart.

Heath Robinson at War runs until Sunday April 14, and Mottisfont’s art gallery is open from 11am to 4.30pm. Last entry into the property, house and gallery is 30 minutes before closing.

For more information on the exhibition, and on Mottisfont itself, see the National Trust website. To see more of the artist’s remarkable work, visit the Heath Robinson Museum near Pinner, Middlesex. Info, opening hours and admission can be found here.

Artwork and artist images: The William Heath Robinson Trust. Tourist information on Hampshire events and attractions can be found at the Visit Hampshire website.