Gallery: The Making of the BAFTA Mask

The Making of the BAFTA Mask

The iconic BAFTA mask was designed in 1955 by US sculptor Mitzi Cunliffe and has become an internationally-recognised symbol of excellence in the art forms of the moving image (BAFTA / Marc Hoberman).
The Making of the BAFTA Mask

The masks have been made at the New Pro Foundries in West Drayton, Middlesex since 1976 (BAFTA / Marc Hoberman).
The Making of the BAFTA Mask

The Academy chose a bronze alloy called Phosphor Bronze (PB3) for its specific colour and tone. The alloy is heated to a temperature of 1090 degrees Celsius before being poured into moulds (BAFTA / Marc Hoberman).
The Making of the BAFTA Mask

Once filled with the bronze alloy the moulds take about forty minutes to cool down (BAFTA / Marc Hoberman).
The Making of the BAFTA Mask

The moulds are allowed to cool before the masks are broken free and the rough edges filed down (BAFTA / Marc Hoberman).
The Making of the BAFTA Mask

The hollow reverse of the mask bears an electronic symbol around one eye and a screen symbol around the other, linking dramatic production and new technology in the art forms of the moving image (BAFTA / Marc Hoberman).
The Making of the BAFTA Mask

The Masks are polished by a process using shot blasting with steel (BAFTA / Marc Hoberman).
The Making of the BAFTA Mask

Before presentation at the Academy's Award ceremonies the masks are given a final polish (BAFTA / Marc Hoberman).

195 Piccadilly