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]
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]