The Lost Worlds of Ray Harryhausen: Creatures, Martians and Myths Exhibition To Open In Manchester
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Phil Roberts 
A free exhibition on the work of Ray Harryhausen – the mastermind behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic cinematic special effects – is to open in the North West.
The power of the Gods is coming to Manchester. Exciting news! The Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation has just revealed that an extraordinary exhibition showcasing the incredible work of Ray Harryhausen will be coming to the North West for the first time. This free exhibition will be held at Waterside’s Lauriston Gallery in Sale, Greater Manchester, starting October 26, 2024. Drawing inspiration from John Walsh’s book “Harryhausen: The Lost Movies,” this unique exhibition guarantees a rare and special opportunity for cinema enthusiasts and fans to immerse themselves in the captivating worlds and remarkable creations of this pioneering animation legend, whose influence has left an indelible mark on some of the most prominent directors in Hollywood today.
THE EXHIBITION
This exhibition will feature exclusive pre-production artwork never before seen from some of Ray’s most beloved and iconic films. Visitors can view rare early sketches and detailed essential drawings revealing the behind-the-scenes creative process behind the groundbreaking special effects that brought some of Ray’s most memorable creatures and sequences to life. The showcased filmography will include Clash of the Titans, Jason and the Argonauts, and The 7th Voyage of Sinbad. Explore never-before-seen artwork from Ray’s unrealized projects at the upcoming exhibition. For the first time, you’ll get to witness stunning artwork from The War of the Worlds, Baron Munchausen, People of the Mist, and Force of the Trojans making this event an absolute must-see for fans of Ray’s work.
UNLEASH THE POWER OF THE GODS!
Developed in partnership with The Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation, The Lost Worlds of Ray Harryhausen exhibition will feature rare and previously un-exhibited pre-production artwork for some of his classic and much- loved films including Clash of the Titans, Jason and the Argonauts and The 7th Voyage of Sinbad. Artwork ranging from early sketches through to detailed key drawings will show the creative process behind his groundbreaking special effects, containing some of his most iconic creatures and sequences.
Additionally, sketches, key drawings and prototype models for un-realised Harryhausen projects such as The War of the Worlds, Baron Munchausen, People of the Mist and Force of the Trojans will also be displayed, many of which for the first time. For every project that Ray was able to produce for the cinema going audience, there were several which remained uncompleted and which live on through the incredible collection cared for by the Harryhausen Foundation.
This exhibition will also feature some of Ray’s work from unseen projects and untold stories that connect his artistry to the North West – a largely unknown connection. In 1996 Manchester based and internationally acclaimed animation studio, Cosgrove Hall Productions approached Ray for a project inspired by his own work. This became the un-realised The Story of Odysseus (1996-1998) – an ambitious project aimed to create a 75 – minute film, followed by 26 episodes, combining traditional stop motion and new technology at the time. This will be the first time audiences will be able to see objects and clips from this unfinished work together, reuniting the Cyclops housed by the Cosgrove Hall Film Archive with other work from the lost production.
CONNOR HEANEY
As Connor Heaney Collections Manager from the Ray Harryhausen Foundation explains:
‘This exhibition presents a unique insight into Ray Harryhausen’s lifetime of imagination and creativity. Featuring artwork which spans his earliest experiments in the 1930s through to the unrealised Story of Odysseus in the late 1990s, this display will demonstrate the true extent of his genius. Fans of cinema will be fascinated to see alternate artwork for some of Ray Harryhausen’s most iconic creations, alongside previously unseen prototype models from the Foundation’s archive. Given the special historic connection between Ray Harryhausen and Cosgrove Hall Productions, Waterside Arts represents the perfect venue to showcase these unique and unseen treasures’.
Rosy Whittemore, Project Curator, Cosgrove Hall Films Archive comments:
“This is a very special exhibition for all of us at Waterside, working collaboratively with The Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation to bring John Walsh’s Lost Movies book to life. I think people will really respond to seeing Harryhausen’s creative process in a new way, how he shaped and built his characters and creatures. Using his untold stories as a springboard, visitors will see rare and more experimental work from the animation legend for the first time in the North West and we are thrilled that we are the current custodians and guardians of such cinematic greatness.”
THE DOORS OF OLYMPUS WILL OPEN!
The news is truly fantastic. After the excellent reception of the Ray Harryhausen: Titan of Cinema exhibition in Scotland a few years ago, it’s incredibly exciting that fans will now have the opportunity to witness Ray’s incredible creations in person. The unveiling of Ray’s previously unseen work, including his original artwork for unrealized film projects, makes this exhibition even more special. “Force of the Trojans” came very close to being realized, and there have been whispers about the project being brought back to life. So, this rare chance to delve into Ray’s collection of accomplishments is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience—one worthy of the Gods.
The Lost Worlds of Ray Harryhausen: Creatures, Martians and Myths runs at The Lauriston Gallery, Waterside, Sale from 26 October 2024 – 4 January 2025. Entry is COMPLETELY FREE. We’d urge you to go if you’re in the area and can travel. This is one exhibition you cannot afford to miss. The Children Of The Hydra’s Teeth demand no less!
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
