We make fine quality Masks for stage, screen and private clients. You can choose from a range of hand made masks in our shop, or commission a bespoke mask, made to your own requirements.
"Pantalone" is one of the principle characters from Commedia Dell ' Arte. Here's how the Pantalone mask takes shape, from plaster mould to finished mask.
The Pantalone Mask Mould
Made from reinforced plaster with a wooden back, eyes and nostrils
Leather Worked Over The Mould
The leather is soaked in hot water ready for stretching and tacking.
The Mask Takes Shape
The leather is stretched over the mould, tacked and held in position as it dries.
Leather Tacked to the Mould
Tacks are nailed into the back of the mould to hold the leather in place.
Ready for Tanning
Masks awaiting tanning. Eyes and notstrils are cut out at this stage.
Tanning and Finishing
Tanning complete, edges finished, insides laquered and straps attached.
From Mould to Mask
Wiskers added and the mask is finished. Pantolone and his mould.
Alexander McPherson, Mask Maker
While at Bristol he began to develop his interest Masks which he first used in Pantomime productions. He became interest in the history of masks and their use, realising that through their symbolism and pages qualities, they had the extrordinary ability to release the inner self of the performer or wearer.
Alexander's principle work is now as a mask maker. He offers a bespoke fine quality masks to private and business clients. He works in traditional styles, using leather, paper mache or buckram and has carried out extensive research into traditional construction techniques tools and materials. He specialises in commedia characters, imaginative animals and insects, and has made neutral masks for specialist performance courses such as RADA's Intensive MA Theatre Lab and organisations such as the Kalamata Theatre School in Greece.
EVERY MAN LIES, BUT GIVE HIM A MASK AND HE'LL BE HONEST
Noel Coward.