Harryhausen pledges life work to Bradford Media Museum

Legendary producer and visual effects creator Ray Harryhausen is pledging the collection of his life’s work to the National Media Museum in Bradford, UK.

The announcement was made today at the official opening of the exhibition Ray Harryhausen – Myths And Legends at the London Film Museum, which coincides with the film-maker’s 90th birthday.

The collection contains drawings, painting and storyboards from his films, including the skeletons from Jason And The Argonauts and the Kraken from the 1981 film Clash Of The Titans.

It also includes rare work by King Kong special effects designer Willis O’Brien, who died in 1962, with whom he worked early in his career.

The Media Museum in Bradford, which was designated the world’s first UNESCO City of Film in 2009, already houses an extensive technology of film artefacts, as well as a dedicated animation gallery.

Ray Harryhausen said: “I am so very pleased and honoured that my Foundation will not only be looking after my collection of 90 years but will also be ensuring that it is seen by as wide an audience as possible. It is also gratifying that the National Media Museum will, in conjunction with the Foundation, be storing and preserving my Collection for the foreseeable future.

“Now I have reached 90 it is important, certainly in my profession which does not have a reputation for looking after cinematic artefacts, to preserve my art in all its forms – models, drawings, equipment etc. and that this will be available for future generations.”

Paul Goodman, head of collections and knowledge at the National Media Museum added: “With our proven expertise in caring for, exhibiting and interpreting such a range of artefacts, the Museum is an ideal place for this extensive and remarkable archive.”

Earlier in the week, Harryhausen was honoured by BAFTA at a special 90th birthday tribute event, which was hosted by John Landis.