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A collection of 55 Lon Chaney and Glenn Strange makeup reference photos with additional makeup photos from various productions. Smith, a pioneering force in special and practical makeup effects, was entirely self-taught and developed techniques that are now considered the standard in film and television. Smith published 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, a way to share his knowledge with other artists and students. Reference photos like these were used to help develop Smith's artistry and, later, inform his handbook.
This lot originates from the collection of renowned makeup artist Dick Smith. It consists of:
One brown folder hand-marked "Old Movie, Reference Stills" containing 16 photos from various films, including Victor Fleming's The Wizard of Oz (1939), George Marshall's The Ghost Breakers (194), Laurence Olivier's Henry V (1944), and Victor Fleming's Joan of Arc (1948), among others.
19 photos of Lon Chaney and Lon Chaney Jr. in their most recognized monster roles, with four of them hand-marked "Chaney" on the back, and three "Lon Chaney Jr." handwritten on the back.
17 photos of Glenn Strange's Frankenstein hand-marked "Strange" on the back, with one featuring a typed scene description on the back, and another with "Jack Kevan making up Glenn Strange for 'Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" handwritten by Smith on the back.
Three photos of Glenn Strange's Wolfman with "Strange-Wolf-Man" handwritten on the back alongside typed scene descriptions adhered to the back.
Of the 16 old film reference photos, nine of them feature hand-written notes naming the role, such as "Zombie," or "Ape Man," and other details such as actor "Olivier," "Asherton," "Middle Ages," and "Henry V King (1413-22)." This lot shows evidence of wear consistent with handling and age. Dimensions: (largest) 8.5" x 11" (21.5 cm x 28 cm)
Estimate: $300 - 600
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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.