The Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation

‘Ray Harryhausen: Myths in Motion’ exhibition in Winchester, UK

connor — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:21:21 +0000

UK EXHIBITION ANNOUNCEMENT:

‘Ray Harryhausen: Myths in Motion’

26 Sep 2026 – 16 Feb 2027

We are delighted to share news of our upcoming exhibition at The Arc, Winchester.

https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/event/ray-harryhausen-myths-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 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.”

Image credits: © The Ray & Diana Harryhausen Foundation

Clash of the Titans, Forbidden Worlds Festival 2026

connor — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:59:46 +0000

We are delighted to announce our return to the Forbidden Worlds Film Festival in Bristol this coming April!

https://www.forbiddenworldsfilmfestival.co.uk/

Join Ray’s daughter Vanessa Harryhausen and Foundation Collections Manager for a 45th anniversary screening of ‘Clash of the Titans’, preceded by a special panel that will celebrate the influence of classic mythology upon Ray’s work.

Then, on April 26th, Vanessa and Connor introduce ‘The Thief of Bagdad’ (1940)- one of Ray Harryhausen’s favourite films, and a huge influence upon his work.

We’ll also have official merchandise and exclusive announcements to make- don’t miss an incredible weekend of Myths and Legends!

Exhibition announcement- The Mini Time Machine of Miniatures, Tucson Arizona

connor — Wed, 28 May 2025 11:23:54 +0000

We are delighted to announce dates for our next exhibition at The Mini Time Machine of Miniatures in Tucson, Arizona.

‘Ray Harryhausen- Miniature Models of the Silver Screen’ will open on September 30th, with a special opening reception at the museum featuring trustee Vanessa Harryhausen on October 3rd.

‘From the collection of the Ray & Diana Harryhausen Foundation in Edinburgh, Scotland, The Mini Time Machine Museum is honored to present a distinguished selection of miniature armatured models from Ray Harryhausen’s most iconic films, including Clash of the Titans and Jason and the Argonauts! In a career that spanned over 30 years, Harryhausen’s groundbreaking “dynamation” techniques allowed live actors to seemingly interact with stop-motion creatures, dazzling audiences with special effects that would go on to inspire the work of contemporary filmmakers such as George Lucas, Peter Jackson, Guillermo del Toro, and Tim Burton. This acclaimed exhibition will spotlight his models, archival footage, artist sketches, original artworks, and film paraphernalia from the Harryhausen archives’

Find out more at https://theminitimemachine.org/exhibitions/ray-harryhausen-miniature-models/

Opening date postponed- ‘Ray Harryhausen: Miniature Models of the Silver Screen’: Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Michigan from February 1st, 2025 – April 27, 2025.

connor — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 13:52:27 +0000

We are delighted to announce the opening of a new exhibition of Ray Harryhausen’s work in the USA. ‘Ray Harryhausen: Miniature Models of the Silver Screen’ will run at Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Michigan from February 1st, 2025 – April 27, 2025.

(Please note that the exhibition opening date has been moved to February 1st, following recent disruption from the cold weather)

https://kalamazoomuseum.org/exhibits/ray-harryhausen-miniature-models-of-the-silver-screen

‘Ray Harryhausen is regarded as a pioneer and one of the great 20th century artists of stop-motion animation. His extensive career is showcased through over 100 original creations on display at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Through original armatured models, artwork, miniatures and props, the exhibit transports us back to the silver screen. Creatures and artwork from such films as 1949’s Mighty Joe Young, where Ray began as a technician, The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, Earth vs the Flying Saucers, The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, Jason and the Argonauts, and the 1981 Clash of the Titans bring to life the imagination of Ray Harryhausen.’

Stay tuned to our website and social media for further updates on screenings and activities in the new year! #rayharryhausen #miniaturemodelsofthesilverscreen

‘Ray Harryhausen: Miniature Models of the Silver Screen’: Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Michigan from February 1st, 2025 – April 27, 2025.

connor — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 10:24:23 +0000

(Please note that the exhibition opening date has been moved to February 1st, following recent disruption from the cold weather)

https://kalamazoomuseum.org/exhibits/ray-harryhausen-miniature-models-of-the-silver-screen

Stay tuned to our website and social media for further updates on screenings and activities in the new year! #rayharryhausen #miniaturemodelsofthesilverscreen

Bloomberg Connects

connor — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:51:18 +0000

Just a few weeks left to see ‘The Lost Worlds of Ray Harryhausen’ exhibition at Waterside Arts in Sale!

If you are unable to visit the exhibit before January 4th 2025, you can take an exclusive look at some key objects via our Bloomberg Connects guide!

https://www.bloombergconnects.org

Simply download the app and search for the Harryhausen Foundation for free for a unique insight into Ray’s incredible collection, including artworks and models from unrealised film projects.

Our page on the Connects app will continue to be updated with treasures from the archive, so keep your eyes peeled for new exhibition updates in 2025 and beyond!

#bloombergconnects #harryhausenfoundation #harryhausenlostmovies

Propstore Auction November 2024

connor — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 13:05:28 +0000

Harryhausen fans worldwide will have an exciting and exclusive change to bid upon selected pieces from Ray’s collection in the Propstore Autumn Entertainment Memorabilia 2024. Check out their preview for one of the key pieces in the auction, and sign up to see the full catalogue on October 15th:

https://propstoreauction.com/auctions/info/id/399

‘…For the first time ever, content directly from the Ray & Diana Harryhausen Foundation is available for auction in this year’s #PropstoreLiveAuction. This Kali lighting stand-in model – which graces this year’s catalog cover – was hand-crafted by Ray Harryhausen himself, and is a highlight of the collection available in the Propstore auction.

As a pioneer of stop-motion animation, Harryhausen’s work has shaped modern cinema, inspiring generations of filmmakers. His iconic Kali sequence from The Golden Voyage of Sinbad still stands to this day as one of his greatest technical achievements, showcasing his unparalleled skill and dedication to his craft. This hand-painted resin lighting stand-in model was crucial during his animation process and was cast from the same moulds as the animation model seen in the film.

Don’t miss this historic chance to own a piece of cinematic history, with proceeds supporting the preservation of Harryhausen’s legacy.’

Exhibition announcement: The Lost Worlds of Ray Harryhausen: Creatures, Martians and Myths.

connor — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 10:23:22 +0000

We are delighted to announce an upcoming exhibition at Waterside Galleries in Sale, Manchester. ’The Lost Worlds of Ray Harryhausen: Creatures, Martians and Myths‘ will open on October 26th 2024:

‘…Immerse yourself in the lost worlds of animation legend Ray Harryhausen, the visionary behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic special effects. Explore Ray’s creative career and groundbreaking techniques, and discover unseen projects and drawings including from his iconic films, Jason and the Argonauts and The 7th Voyage of Sinbad.

This exhibition – which is the first of its kind in the North West – is inspired by John Walsh’s book Harryhausen: The Lost Movies and developed in partnership with The Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation. (Charity No. SC001419)

The Lost Worlds of Ray Harryhausen: Creatures, Martians, and Myths

Opens 26 Oct 2024 and runs until 4th Jan 2025.

Image Credit: Graham Humphreys Poster Design for Ray Harryhausen’s ‘War of the Worlds”

The Ray Harryhausen Awards 2024- Ceremony in Auchterarder

connor — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 12:12:30 +0000

We are delighted to announce that this year’s ceremony for The Ray Harryhausen Awards will take place in collaboration with the Auchterarder Picturehouse on June 29th.

The winners and notable entries for this year’s awards will be announced, alongside a conversation with local stop-motion animator Wilma Smith. This date marks Ray Harryhausen’s birthday, and will be a wonderful celebration of his legacy and ongoing influence. Reserve your free ticket through the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebration-of-the-ray-harryhausen-awards-rays-104th-birthday-tickets-927151624467

Harryhausen Awards- new, reduced submission fees

connor — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:37:39 +0000

‘A life changing award’ - Guillermo Del Toro

We are pleased to announce a reduction in submission fees for the Harryhausen Awards 2024. Established in honour of the legendary master of stop-motion animation, we are now accepting submissions for animated films of all types within the following categories before the deadline of May 31st 2024. We look forward to unveiling a redesigned Award trophy in the coming months.

Best Feature Film Animation- £30 submission fee

Best Short Film Animation- £20 submission fee

Best Student Film Animation- £10 submission fee

Best Children’s Film Animation- Free entry

Harryhausen Hall of Fame Award

www.harryhausenawards.com

filmfreeway.com/harryhausenawards