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Incredibly rare artwork depicting two Gelflings, hand-painted by conceptual, creature and costume designer Brian Froud for the production of Jim Henson and Frank Oz's fantasy film The Dark Crystal. The Gelflings depicted in the piece are Jen and Kira, the film's central protagonists, who endeavoured to save the world of Thra from the Skeksis.

Froud and his book The World of the Dark Crystal were nominated in the "Best Non-Fiction Book" category at the 1983 Hugo Awards. The book was published at the time of the film's release and is an in-world study of the lore of The Dark Crystal. It utilised concept artwork, with new text that, according to Froud, "would allow the reader to enter much more deeply into the history, philosophy, and arcane aspects of the world we had created in such detail". This artwork, likely created during production, was repurposed to appear on some editions of the book's front cover and last page, and showcases Froud's eminent ability to create unique, fantastical creatures. The illustration was also printed on Christmas cards given to the film's crew during production.

The Dark Crystal was a groundbreaking film due to its pioneering use of animatronics. Each Gelfling was operated by approximately four puppeteers. Froud's other notable collaboration with Henson was on the widely adored Labyrinth, starring David Bowie.

Froud hand-painted this artwork on an illustration board. Using black ink, he has inscribed "Brian Froud 1981" inside the petal at the picture's bottom left corner. A paper label stuck to the artwork features other inscriptions handwritten in pencil, which relate to the reproduction of the image via printing. Dimensions: 59 cm x 44 cm (23.25" x 17.25")

Sold without copyright; see copyright notice in the Terms and Conditions.

Estimate: £7,000 - 14,000 M

View all lots from DARK CRYSTAL, THE (1982)