Name/Title
5.4.25M Alan Platt (c.1941–2022) Stop-Motion Puppet – Wizard or Neptune Character?Entry/Object ID
5.4.25MDescription
Artist: Alan Platt (c.1941–2022)
Height: 24.5 cm
Length: 16 cm
Width: 12 cm
Medium: Mixed media – sculpted and painted core, wire and foam structure, applied synthetic hair and robe fabrics
Condition: Vintage – fragile; signs of age and use consistent with screen role in stop-frame animation
A commanding figure evoking either a mystical wizard or Neptune-like sea god, this puppet features flowing hair, a sculpted beard, and long, spindly limbs—hallmarks of character archetypes from mythology and fantasy.
Production Context:
Created by New Zealand artist and animator Alan Platt, this puppet represents his signature approach to expressive, handcrafted animation figures. Known for imbuing his characters with theatricality and pathos, Platt’s work often blended archetypal storytelling with sculptural finesse. This puppet, likely produced during the 1980s–90s for a UK-linked fantasy or children’s television project, showcases textured costuming and articulate limbs suited for magical gestures or dramatic movement. It reflects Platt’s meticulous attention to gesture and silhouette in stop-motion animation.
Provenance:
From the estate of Alan Platt. These rare handmade puppets are seldom seen on the secondary market and are increasingly valued by collectors of television memorabilia, animation history, and character design.
Condition Note:
Displays typical wear from studio use & time.
ref 5.4.25M
