Ray Cusick - Designer Of The Daleks

I read today that the designer of the iconic Dalek, Ray Cusick has sadly died aged 84.

Dalek from 'The Dead Planet' 1963

During an interview in 2008 as part of a BBC Three Doctor Who Confidential programme , Mr Cusick explained that the shape of the design, rather than being inspired by a pepper pot was based around an operator sitting inside the prop and  building out from that.  Sounds simple - The hard bit is making the finished design  look so good it captures the public’s imagination and endures right up to today.

Supreme Dalek from 2008. One of the several  variations from the new series which, in spite of it's modern look isn't too far removed from Ray Cusick's original design.

Dalek designer Ray Cusick  1928 -2013