"Rusty the Magician" is making it fun for visitors to make donations at Callendar House.
With bells and beasties whirring and ringing "Rusty" entertains as well as encourages donations.
Rusty is a kinetic sculpture commissioned by Falkirk Council from world-famous sculptor Edward Bersudsky whose"Sharmanka Travelling Circus" exhibition was a huge hit at Callendar House last year.
Entry to Callendar House was made free at the beginning of 2006 but visitors often ask to make donations to help with the work of the museum.
The success of the Sharmanka exhibition inspired the decision to ask Edward Bersudsky to work his particular magic in creating a "collection box ".
The result was Rusty: a top-hatted bear carved from Burr Elm, which grows in Callendar Woods, incorporating bits and pieces of mechanical items inspired by the Council's industrial collection.
These include blades from a grass mower and a brass letter box in which money can be "posted".
Intricately carved animals which turn handles and ring bells and a glittering, gold spider which whizzes round on Rusty's nose whenever money is inserted make donations fun for children and grown-ups alike.
Rusty stands in the entrance hall of the house and is now a big talking point for visitors.
Edward Bersudsky, was born in Russia where he developed his art while make a modest living in a variety of jobs. He launched the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre in St Petersburg in 1989 but left for Scotland in 1993 and is now based in Glasgow.
- Autumn 2007 -