I came across a name when reading the story of the sonic screwdriver in my last post. Modeler Mat Irvine.
Its a name I don't often see now for some reason but when books and magazines ruled Matt's name popped up regularly.
I have two that spring to mind. I'm pretty sure Mat is mentioned in Starlog's Science Fiction Models from 1980. I have a well-thumbed copy in the attic. Have you?
I also have Mat's book, Creating Space: the Story of the Space Age Told Through Models, which I got through reader Darth's own publishing house Apogee.
Having not seen Mat's name for ages I was fascinated to read on purpleblancmange's TardisBiulders forum post that:
".... the late 1960's, he [Ian Scoones] got wind that Gerry Anderson's Century 21 Studios were selling off all their props and models and was invited to purchase some of the stuff. He jumped in a van and tootled over to the studios with his assistant Mat Irvine and loaded the van to capacity with loads of stuff - much of which would end up in Doctor Who in one shape or another."
So Mat's professional modelling went as far back as the late 1960's and the close of Century 21? Wow! I'd no idea he was part of that golden age. I can't imagine what fabulous Century 21 props Mat saw when Gerry's company shut up shop. A sad day but I would have loved to have been there with Ian and Mat!
Are you aware of this C21 props sell-off readers and are you aware of Mat Irvine's modeling work?
Lots of Century21 stuff popped up in tv shows after that. UFO consoles in Doctor Who etc. Matt Irvine organizes Smallspace in Hanslope each year, where loads of original props and replicas go on display in a village hall. It's brilliant!
ReplyDeleteWow! Do you go Kev?
DeleteI've been once. They are on Sundays and it's quite hard to get to. Some wonderful things appear there though!
ReplyDeleteI'll check it out online. Have you seen that Chiropractic Activator or Actuator on the TardisBiulding forum link in my post? It sort of looks like McCoy's jabber! Like you one you built from scratch!
DeleteYep, nobody has quite found the exact McCoy one but it does seem to be that sort of thing. Sometimes you get lucky when making a prop replica and find exactly what was used (and if you're really lucky, you can still get them!).
ReplyDeleteWoodsy so you are into older photobooks/toys guides?
ReplyDeleteGood, I still have some Japanese ones. Not as vintage as those here, but still some fine photos and guides are inside
I like old Japanese books about toys and models particularly Gerry Anderson shows and Candy toy premiums.
DeleteMat Irvine was a special effects model maker with the BBC from 1971 to 1993. He is a first class modeller, and an excellent writer. His main subjects are spacecraft, cars, and kit collecting.
ReplyDeleteI remember he did a modelling article in Airfix Magazine on the Viking Lander in the mid-1970s, at about the same time the real thing arrived on Mars. He also wrote for the British magazine Scale Models (later called Scale Models International). Apart from occasional articles on space and science fiction models, he had a monthly column reviewing model car kits in the 1970s/1980s - which was where I first encountered the term Star Car, long before I began collecting such models. At the time I had a few aircraft modelling articles in Scale Models, but Mat Irvine was prolific.
He has also written several books. His name on a book is a guarantee of quality. Among these is BBC VFX - the Story of the BBC Visual Effects Department 1954-2003, Aurum, 2010, with Mike Tucker. This covers everything, and is written by a modeller who understands what a modeller wants in such a book - good, solid information and lots of great photos. I also have Scale Car Modelling, The Crowood Press, 2011, on car modelling from plastic kits. This includes many Star Cars and Show Rods; and the earlier Car Modeller's Handbook. He has also done the Haynes Model Builders' Manual, and several on model spacecraft.
Sorry, left my name off again, must have hit the wrong key. The above information on Mat Irvine is by me. His older books can still be tracked down. BBC VFX is really good.
ReplyDeleteFascinating stuff Paul. I wonder if Matt ever went to NZ when WETA started to get big and became the mecca for effects people? I do love browsing through his books and all the amazing models and creations he's made. I often wonder what he and his pal found at that Century 21 sell-off!
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