Doctor Who

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

From the 1977 serial The Robots of Death starring Tom Baker as The Doctor this is the original master head used to create the Voc Robot masks for filming. In 1976 noted freelance artist Rose Garrard was approached by BBC designer Ken Sharpe to create the Voc Robot masks and breastplates having already liaised with Roger Murrray-Leach on previous serials such as Planet of Evil. With no concept artwork provided Garrard sculpted the head from her own design drawing inspiration from the logo of hair care company Wella at the suggestion of Sharpe creating an Art Deco profile with wavy hair, the design would become one of the most memorable of the entire series despite making only one appearance.

Firstly Garrard sculpted the head in plasticine which proved an ideal way of creating the wavy hair, this was then shown to Ken Sharpe for his approval before going on to create the screen used masks. From the plasticine model waste moulds were created which were filled with plaster and chipped away to create a master head, from this master head the original rubber moulds were made which were in turn used to create the screen used masks in two parts. This is the one and only original plaster master head for the Voc Robot used by Garrard to create the original moulds from which a number of fibreglass masks were pulled, finished and painted for use on screen.

The head is constructed of solid white plaster in two parts and is extremely detailed with the face area perfectly smooth to the touch, the rougher interior has been hand inscribed by Garrard in black pen 'ROBOTS OF DEATH '76' with her initials below. The sculpture is substantial, weighing approximately six kilograms it measures an impressive 12" x 9" and stands 10" high, it remains in excellent condition with only minor chipping and wear, very fine. Obtained by The Prop Gallery directly from artist Rose Garrard who retained the piece for over 35 years following the production.

This represents not only an extraordinarily displayable and unique artefact from the production of this cult science fiction series but an outstanding example of sculpture which epitomises the crossover between pop culture and fine art.

Please note that this lot requires specialist shipping arrangements, we therefore recommend that any shipping queries, particularly those of an international nature, are discussed before purchasing.