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A photo-matched stop-motion Vermithrax Pejorative flying dragon miniature puppet from the production of Matthew Robbins' fantasy adventure Dragonslayer. The wizard Ulrich (Ralph Richardson) and his young apprentice Galen (Peter MacNicol) were tasked with slaying the 400-year-old dragon Vermithrax Pejorative, which terrorised the mediaeval kingdom of Urland.

This miniature was one of two flying dragon models fabricated (nicknamed Tector and Lyle, after the Gorch brothers in Sam Peckinpah's The Wild Bunch), and was created specifically for the flying scenes, which were shot against a blue screen, with the camera programmed to tilt in such a way as to create the sensation of flight. Sixteen dragon puppets were created in total, with each version being constructed for a specific function. Credited as a dragon supervisor on the ILM visual effects team, Phil Tippett finalised the colour design for the creature which is regarded as one of the greatest dragon designs of all time.

Tippett encouraged the use of "go motion" on the picture, a method he developed with ILM while working on Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. This process allowed the puppet to move while the camera shutter remained open, eliminating the jerkiness commonly associated with stop-motion and adding elements of motion blur. The puppets were animated by Tom St. Amand and Ken Ralston. The film received a Best Visual Effects nomination at the 54th Academy Awards®.

The dragon's right arm matches it to a behind-the-scenes photograph featuring Tippett and his team. It comprises an articulated aluminium skeleton which is sophisticated in its design so it could achieve a wide range of movements. The skeleton is covered in a foam-latex skin, with several detailed resin components, including a snarling head, claws and tail spade. Texture is added down the back to produce an aged appearance, and the skin is finished in dark shades of brown, red and green. The dragon also features bat-like wing mechanisms, a design feature chosen by Tippett.

Presented on a custom-made display, the dragon is carefully positioned, with its wings spread out to recreate the creature's bat-like shape. The lot displays signs of age, including cracking on the foam latex, which has exposed parts of the metal skeleton. A majority of the wings has crumbled away over time, with the four curved metal fingers remaining, and the body exhibits paint wear, notably on the tail. The lot remains in a fragile state and should be handled with care. Dimensions (displayed): 52 cm x 70 cm x 63.5 cm (20 1/2" x 27 1/2" x 25")

Special shipping required; see special shipping notice in the Buyer's Guide.

Estimate: £20,000 - 40,000 †

View all lots from DRAGONSLAYER (1981)