Count Duckula’s Igor restored for MOSI exhibition
Skwigly
A statue of the doleful butler Igor, from hit ITV cartoon series Count Duckula (1988-1993), is being restored at MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry, Manchester) in time for a new exhibition on animation, which opens on 22 June.
The statue of Igor stood alongside a statue of Count Duckula, in the entrance hall of the Cosgrove Hall animation studios in Chorlton, where the characters were created by Brian Cosgrove and his team of animators. The Igor statue was rescued by staff at ITV when Cosgrove Hall closed in October 2009. It is now being restored by MOSI Collections Care officer Frances Keating ahead of its appearance in the exhibition. Extensive conservation work has entailed reattaching a severed arm, and further work will now be undertaken to consolidate holes and retouch paint losses.
Count Duckula was produced by Thames Television, and later Central Television. The friendly, vegetarian Count is a constant disappointment to his butler Igor, as he is supposed to be an elusive vampire like his previous incarnations, but instead spends his time seeking fame and fortune.
The statue of Igor, which is part of the Cosgrove Hall archive at ITV, will be at the entrance of the exhibition Creating the Illusion: Animation in the North West. The exhibition explores the history of animation in the North West, from the first steps with Magic Lantern projectors to the arrival of Cosgrove Hall Films and the creation of an industry. It showcases MOSI’s own animation collections alongside items in private hands.
Highlights include puppets and imagery from popular series produced by Cosgrove Hall Films, such as Chorlton and the Wheelies, Danger Mouse and Wind in the Willows, as well as archives from the animator Paul Berry, who later went on to work on Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas and Henry Selick’s James and the Giant Peach.The exhibition draws on MOSI’s own collections and loans from Brian Cosgrove, Barry Purves, ITV, and Mackinnon and Saunders.
Collections Care Officer Frances Keating said: “This has been an interesting project since Igor had sustained some fairly significant injuries. He has already had conservation to reattach a severed limb, and will need further work to fill holes and reinstate losses to the paint layers. Conservation usually focuses on the preservation requirements of an object rather than bringing it back to its original state, so it’s been particularly enjoyable to restore an object in which the goal is to ensure it retains its instantly recognisable persona.”
Westley Wood (Creative) at ITV Studios, Manchester spotted Igor when he was destined for the skip in 2010 and took him to his office. Westley said: “It’s a joy to see Igor fully restored and looking his usual disapproving self. Before restoration began he looked like an unkempt animated vagabond, which is no guise for a trusty butler of Count Ducklula. I’m glad the MOSI have helped us save him from permanent retirement and now will be on show for all to meet and enjoy.”
Creating the Illusion: Animation in the North West is part of MOSI’s new Highlights Gallery and runs from 22 June to 3 November 2013.