Severed Lion Head Prop- Surplus De Cirque

... Just a few photos to mark the start of the sculpting stage for a lions head prop I am working on. The lion is sculpted in water-based clay around a wooden armature. A nifty trick to stop clay drying out between working it is to spray a dusting of water using a cheap atomiser gun, then cover in cling film.

...from humble beginnings. The model began with a plywood armature, and then hot-glued polystyrene carved with a kitchen knife. The polystyrene can then be covered in plaster bandage or plaster and scrim. Finally the plaster is covered in a liberal coat of shellac to help the clay adhere.