Ray Harryhausen: Myths in Motion

The story of a legendary animator who changed the course of film history, this special exhibition has been created for The Arc and drawn from the incredible archive of The Ray & Diana Harryhausen Foundation. 

Harryhausen’s innovation in stop motion had a lasting effect on viewers and filmmakers alike. His creatures – the skeletons from Jason and the Argonauts (1963), Minaton from Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977) and Medusa from Clash of the Titans (1981) - were animated in a way that had never been seen before. Tributes from filmmakers such as Peter Jackson and Aardman Animations, who cite Harryhausen’s importance, will also feature in the exhibition. 

Together with daughter, Vanessa Harryhausen, whose personal contributions will be found throughout the exhibition, we’ve selected over 70 objects to bring to Winchester. They include paintings by artists who were early influencers on Harryhausen’s art and storytelling. Through sketches and original models, the exhibition highlights the inventiveness, incredible artistry and resulting awe of Harryhausen’s career.