Maria Start

Maria Start (born 14 December 1966) is a British automata maker and restorer.^[1] She trained in Fashion design in Maidenhead, Berkshire, and now specialises in the conservation and restoration of antique automata, with a focus on 19th Century automata.^[2]

Maria Start is co-founder of "The House of Automata". Together with her husband, Michael Start, they restore and deal in antique automata.^[3] Founded in London, it is now based in the North of Scotland, where “The House of Automata” operates from a workshop studio.^[4][5][6]

Media and television

Maria Start features as an expert on Salvage Hunters- The Restorers, produced by Quest and Discovery Channel. Together with her husband Michael, they appear in Series 3, 4, 5 and 6, as experts in Automata restoration & similar mechanical toys and games.^{[7][8] [9]}