The Secret Life of Machines (Series 1)
The Secret Life of Machines is an educational television series presented by Tim Hunkin and Rex Garrod, in which the two explain the inner workings and history of common household and office machinery.
The series consists of 18 episodes, each of which covers a particular set of machines. The series uses animation to help explain various aspect of how the subject devices function. The animation for the series was done
by Hunkin himself in a uniquely recognisable format.
How does a vacuum cleaner work? And how about a sewing machine, a central heating system, a washing machine, a refrigerator, and a television set? The Secret Life of Machines (Series 1), consisting of the first six episodes of the series,
focuses on explaining how these household appliances work.
| Episode 1 - The Vacuum Cleaner |
Episode 1 - The Vacuum Cleaner
This episode explores how a vacuum cleaner functions. Various vacuums fitted with pyrotechnics fly from a pile, guided by wires, with sparks streaming from the rear.
Episode 2 - The Sewing Machine
This episode explores how a sewing machine functions. A modern sewing machine is shown embroidering "THIS IS THE END ** GOODBYE" on a piece of fabric.
Episode 3 - The Central Heating System
This episode explores how a central heating system functions. A life-size model of a central heating system, used during the show, begins to spray water everywhere.
Episode 4 - The Washing Machine
This episode explores how a washing machine functions. A pyramid of washing machines is switched onto spin cycle whilst Hunkin talks about recent developments.
Episode 5 - The Refrigerator
This episode explores how a refrigerator functions. Multiple refrigerators are made to dance around using stop motion animation.
Episode 6 - The Television Set
This episode explores how a television functions. A mountain of television sets are burned in a massive bonfire whilst still switched on.
| Related Links |
| The Secret Life of Machines - wikipedia The Secret Life of Machines is an educational television series presented by Tim Hunkin and Rex Garrod, in which the two explain the inner workings and history of common household and office machinery. |
| The Secret Life of Machines (Series 2) This investigates six devices used outside the home: cars, internal combustion engines, quartz watches, telephones, radio sets, and video recorders. |
| The Secret Life of Machines (Series 3) This is a television series presented by Tim Hunkin and Rex Garrod, concentrating on office-related technology such as word processors, photocopiers and fax machines. |
| Inventions that Changed the World This is a BBC documentary series presented by Jeremy Clarkson, looking at some of the inventions that helped to shape the modern world. |
| Ancient Inventions This is a BBC documentary series presented by Terry Jones, looking at great inventions of the ancient world and their influences in our modern world. |