Name/Title
Stop-Motion Puppet – Warrior from The Ring (2000) by Alan Platt (c.1941–2022)Entry/Object ID
S9XKST2669Description
Artist: Alan Platt (c.1941–2022)
Height: 34 cm
Medium: Mixed media – hand-moulded head, painted detail, costumed with textile, metal, rubber and synthetic hair
Condition: Vintage – fragile; signs of age and use consistent with screen role in stop-frame animation
Overview
A strikingly detailed puppet portraying a mythic warrior, clad in ornate bronze chest armour, symbolic jewellery, and red boots. With painted tattoos, piercing blue eyes, and stylised facial markings, the character exudes theatrical flair and animated presence. A powerful example of Alan Platt’s expressive stop-motion craftsmanship.
Production Context
This puppet appears in Alan Platt’s 2000 stop-motion film The Ring, a 29-minute adaptation of Wagner’s epic opera cycle Der Ring des Nibelungen - (search YouTube to view it). The film was created in New Zealand and features animated clay figures voiced by orchestration from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. This warrior can be seen mid-scene among gods, dwarves, and giants—key characters in the heroic narrative.
Provenance
Alan Platt was a NZ-based animator who spent nearly 40 years creating stop-motion films for the BBC and Channel 4 in the UK. His work earned him three BAFTAs and a Peabody Award.
This piece was part of a large group of puppets donated by Alan Platt to a local charity. Many were in deteriorated condition. Through my role as a designer and having worked with Platt, I was able to identify the most visually compelling pieces for preservation and collector offering—museum-level works of craftsmanship and cultural legacy.
Condition Note
This puppet is in delicate vintage condition, with some hair loss and wear to the paint. It is best suited for display or conservation. Handle with care.
More to Come
Additional puppets from this archive will be listed. Visit our Facebook page or DM to learn more.
S9XKST2669
