Name/Title
Handcrafted Stop-Motion Puppet – Queen (c.1970s–1990s)Entry/Object ID
S9XKST2670Description
Artist: Alan Platt (c.1941–2022)
Height: 20 cm
Medium: Mixed media – hand-moulded head, textile costuming
Condition: Vintage – fragile; signs of age and use consistent with its role in stop-frame animation
Overview
A charming stop-motion puppet representing a queenly figure, crowned and dressed in regal gold. The character features a hand-moulded face with stylised painted features and a structured gown formed from layered ivory fabric overlaid with metallic gold mesh. Decorative detailing around the neckline and sleeves adds texture and depth. Her serene expression and symmetrical stance suggest grace and nobility—an archetypal fairytale queen.
Production Context
While the exact production is unconfirmed, this puppet was likely made for a fairytale or pantomime-inspired stop-motion animation. Her formal costume and symbolic styling suggest a role as a monarch, enchantress, or matriarch within a stylised European narrative tradition.
Provenance
Alan Platt was a Paraparaumu-based animator who spent nearly 40 years working on stop-motion films for the BBC and Channel 4 in the UK. His work earned 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 and undervalued due to a lack of context. Through my role as a designer and having worked with Platt, I was able to select a number of the most visually compelling pieces for preservation and collector offering—museum-level works of craftsmanship and cultural legacy.
Condition Note
This puppet is in fragile vintage condition and best suited for display or conservation. Gentle handling is advised.
More to Come
Additional puppets from this archive will be listed. Visit our Facebook page for updates or DM to learn more.
S9XKST2670
