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A collection of 41 personal, behind-the-scenes, and reference images from various productions and projects. This lot originates from the collection of Dick Smith. It consists of:
One framed photo of Dustin Hoffman in the old age makeup that Dick Smith created for Little Big Man (1970).
One framed photo of Linda Blair in the possession makeup that Dick Smith created for The Exorcist (1973).
One framed and matted photo of Dick Smith with busts of six of his famous makeup and prosthetic works.
Two prosthetics paste-ups, with one marked "O.S, Modeling Pieces for his 'Pressman' Makeup Kits (Produced + Sold)."
Four photos of the wax head from The Picture of Dorian Gray stamped with Smith's name and address, one of which is signed by Dick Smith.
Two photos of a prosthetic for "Spasms aka Death Bite" stamped with Smith's name and address.
Two photos of Dick Smith holding the Emmy Award® that he won for Mark Twain Tonight! in 1967 stamped with Smith's name and address.
Six photos of Dick Smith with various busts and heads, two of which are stamped with Smith's name and address.
Three photos of Dick Smith with the oversized bust of Smith created by Kazu Hiro, stamped with Smith's name and address.
Nine photos of various collages of prosthetic work done by Dick Smith, five of which are stamped with Smith's name and address.
One ad for "Dick Smith's Advanced Professional Make-up [sic] Course."
One photo from Mark Twain Tonight! marked "Hal Halbrook 1957 (My Emmy)" and stamped with Smith's name and address.
Seven poster and publicity image prints, six of which are stamped with Smith's name and address.
One magazine page promoting Dick Smith, Ken Diaz, and Greg Nelson's campaign for the Best Makeup Academy Award® for their work on Dad (1989) hand-marked "3/7/90 Hi Dick, Everyone in AZ. is Crossing Their Fingers! Best of Luck!! Dave Ayres, P.S. A Wonderful Aging Job!"
One yellow folder marked "Dad" with additional information written on the inside.
One brown folder marked "Death Becomes Her" containing one photo of a headless and armless prosthetic female body being worked on.
The lot shows evidence of wear consistent with handling and age; including some discoloration. Dimensions: (largest) 20.25" x 16.25" x 0.25" (35.75 cm x 27.5 cm x 0.75 cm)
Estimate: $800 - 1,600
View all lots from DICK SMITH
View all lots from Dick Smith Collection
Regarded as "The Godfather of Makeup," renowned special makeup effects artist and author Richard Emerson Smith, known professionally as Dick Smith, was a pre-med student at Yale University when he encountered the theatrical makeup book Paint, Powder and Makeup that changed the trajectory of his life. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Smith began his illustrious career in television as the first makeup director of WNBC. Entirely self-taught, Smith pioneered the development of prosthetic and practical makeup with techniques that are now considered the standard in film and television, such as making prosthetics in multiple pieces to allow actors full range of facial expression. He is also credited with creating realistic age makeup as an alternative to prosthetics, blending special effects with hidden bladders and squibs, and for innovating the combination of makeup with on-set "practical" effects, as seen in William Friedkin's The Exorcist (1973).
In a time where makeup artists were secretive about their techniques and unions purposely suppressed the sharing of knowledge, Smith proved to be a generous soul, mentoring and training many younger artists who went on to accomplished careers in cinema, including Rick Baker, Mike Marino, Greg Cannom, and many more. Smith went as far as publishing an instructional book in 1965 titled Dick Smith's Do-It-Yourself Monster Make-up Handbook as a special edition of Forrest J. Ackerman's "Famous Monsters of Filmland" series.
With a career that spanned over six decades, Smith is today best known for his work on such classics as Little Big Man (1970), The Godfather (1972), Taxi Driver (1976), Altered States (1980), Scanners (1981), The Hunger (1983), Starman (1984), and Death Becomes Her (1992). In 1985, he won an Academy Award® for Best Makeup for his work on Amadeus, as well as a BAFTA® the following year. He was honored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences twice with special tribute ceremonies in 2009 and again in 2011, the latter including an Honorary Academy Award® presented by his most acclaimed protégé, Rick Baker. Smith left an indelible legacy in film and television, represented by a curated collection he carefully maintained throughout his career. Propstore is pleased to present these select artifacts from this legendary artist's personal collection, reflecting a distinguished career spanning decades in Hollywood and beyond.
This item comes with a Propstore Certificate of Authenticity.