Doctor Who

An original prop used in the production of the long running BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who.

From the 1987 serial Dragonfire starring Sylvester McCoy as The Doctor this is the original skull used during the production of the climatic sequence where Kane's face melts, a nod to a similar effect created by Industrial Light & Magic for the 1981 Indiana Jones picture Raiders of the Lost Ark. This was achieved by melting a wax face from an under skull through which goo was pumped to achieve the gruesome effect with the footage played back in high speed.

This is the original fibreglass under skull which was constructed in fibreglass by talented freelance effects artists Stephen Mansfield and Sue Moore from a Mansfield sculpt. The skull is mounted on a metal bar which could be placed on a rig and dressed for filming, it features a number of tubes through which goo could be pumped by effects assistants whilst air bladders were operated to push the melting wax away from the head and provide some movement to the face. The addition of teeth and a highly detailed paint job finish this gruesome and realistic prop which was beautifully utilised by the effects team to produce the impressive sequence we see on screen.

The skull measures approximately 14" x 6" at its widest points with the total length including the mounting bar being approximately 29", the prop remains in excellent production used condition and still retains some remnants of wax from its use during filming.

A highly displayable artefact and a fine example of a visual effects prop from this cult science fiction series.

Please note that due to its length this lot may require special shipping arrangements, we therefore recommend that any shipping queries, particularly those of an international nature, are discussed before purchasing.