Man + Hatchet: Web launch

2012

A machine for a web launch of the Man + Hatchet web site. Built with the Great Andi-Andy Roberts in our studio in Dalston, on the cheap, out of shed scrap, an old engine and Tinguely-inspired.

London Olympics 2012: Red Queen

2012

I was senior mechanical designer for Queen of Hearts, built at Artem for the opening of the Olympics. A pop-up and inflatable puppet. It appeared alongside Voldemort and Captain Hook also made at Artem. The Queen’s bed had to rise three metres in the air – and with one person inside working the levers, it … Continue reading London Olympics 2012: Red Queen →

Anya Hindmarch: All I Ever Wanted AW12

2012

This was my first project working together with Anya, Bevin Roper and the team. They wanted to introduce theatre and mechanical movement to a handbag fashion launch. Andrew Roberts and I were to help design and guide what mechanical effects could be possible for Michael Howells to include in his set designs. On the big … Continue reading Anya Hindmarch: All I Ever Wanted AW12 →

Frankenweenie (2012)

2011

ForbTim Burton’s animation film, I worked in the puppet department under Andy Gent, improving the armature of Sparky the dog. It was first designed by Mackinnon & Saunders, but such a small creature is tricky for the animators to use. It needed the input and testing of Andy Gent’s team to get it right … Continue reading Frankenweenie (2012) →

Godiva Awakes (2012)

2011

A six-metre-tall walking puppet of Lady Godiva for Coventry and London 2012. It was made with a team at Artem under Nick Martin. I was part of the crew on general design, and then focused on the head movements. See the completed puppet on this site. http://www.imagineerproductions.co.uk/content_links/6567/view The puppet is activated by four performers with … Continue reading Godiva Awakes (2012) →

Hussein Chalayan: Wig

2010

A very big challenge. This job was for the art project I Am Sad Leyla by Hussein Chalayan, and displayed at Galerist in Istanbul. The team made a wig that could change styles: fringe and hair-length grew and reversed again. We had layers of skullcaps to cope with the different styles and with onboard motors and … Continue reading Hussein Chalayan: Wig →

Lady Gaga: Living Dress (2010)

2009

This was made in London at Baker Coogan under Pete Brook from Jim Henson’s Creature shop in LA. Headed by Vin Burnham, I was responsible for leading the mechanical team creating the moving parts.

Demons ITV serie (2009)

2009

For Coulier Harrison SFX, I was a senior animatronic designer on this TV show A fantasy drama series on ITV: a contemporary spin on the legacy of Bram Stoker’s Dracula set above and beneath the streets of modern-day London. With Philip Glenister and Mackenzie Crook.

Lulu Guinness: Singing Handbag (2009)

2009

A mechanical hand bag with singing bird. I had an expert’s introduction into Victorian mechanical music boxes at Automatomania in Scotland, who also did the feathering. Electronics were by David Buckley in Manchester, and the fantastic making-of film (below) was by Dee Koppang.