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?
