Skip to main content

Spitting Image Productions Limited (TV/Film Production Company) (1981-) (United Kingdom)

 Organization

Dates

  • Existence: 1981-

Places

Found in 593 Collections and/or Records:

 Item

Harpo Marx Mask, 1993

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/1/2/10/2/3
Scope and Contents

A painted latex foam and chamois leather mask that resembles Harpo Marx, which was made by the Spitting Image Workshop for the television production, A Prokofiev Fantasy with Peter and the Wolf.

Dates: 1993
Conditions Governing Access: Part restricted. Access may only be possible with support from specialist conservation staff. Please seek guidance.
 Piece

Hat and Scarf for The Queen Mother Puppet Head, c 1985

 Piece
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/1/1/1/7/2
Scope and Contents

A box containing a pink straw hat, made by Marida, accompanied by a pink scarf. Both items are used to adorn the Spitting Image puppet head of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. The hat also comes with a metal pin.

Dates: c 1985
Conditions Governing Access: From the Item: See sub-level descriptions for information on access conditions.
 Piece

Hat for Diana, Princess of Wales Puppet, c late 1980s-c early 1990s

 Piece
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/1/1/1/1/2
Scope and Contents

A blue, wide-brimmed hat with a floral pattern upon it, used as an accessory for the Diana, Princess of Wales Spitting Image puppet.

Dates: c late 1980s-c early 1990s
Conditions Governing Access: From the Item: See sub-level descriptions for information on access conditions.
 Sub-Sub-Sub-Series

Head Moulds, c 1984-c 1996

 Sub-Sub-Sub-Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/1/1/2/1
Scope and Contents

A range of plaster and fibreglass moulds made during the production of the British satirical television series, Spitting Image, which were used to create the latex foam puppet heads for the show. The moulds present in the archive only represent a small fraction of those produced during the run of the series.

Dates: c 1984-c 1996
Conditions Governing Access: See sub-level descriptions for information on access conditions.
 File

Hemdale Cinema Shorts, 1990 - 1991

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/6/1/9
Scope and Contents

A file containing correspondence, a proposal and other documentation relating to a series of proposed short films by Spitting Image Productions Limited with Hemdale Film Corporation. Some of the correspondence also mentions other projects that SIPL were working on at this time.

Dates: 1990 - 1991
Conditions Governing Access: From the Sub-Fonds: See sub-level descriptions for information on access conditions.
 Item

Hilary and Combination Skin, 1996

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/6/3/12
Scope and Contents

A VHS tape containing two short animation films, Hilary and Combination Skin, which were produced by the Spitting Image Productions Limited subsidiary, Screwball Films Limited.

Dates: 1996
Conditions Governing Access: Closed. This item is waiting to be digitised.
 File

Hoffnung, 1994

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/1/2/6/4
Scope and Contents

A visifile holding 10 pieces of original artwork for a proposed Spitting Image Productions Limited children's television series, Hoffnung, which would have starred comedian, Harry Enfield, as the German artist and musician, Gerard Hoffnung. Most of the artwork are pen drawings, but there is one piece in pen and wash. These drawings have been done by two Spitting Image Workshop artists, David Stoten and Tim Watts (SI/1266 (A to J).

Dates: 1994
Conditions Governing Access: From the Series: See sub-level descriptions for information on access conditions.
 File

Hoffnung, 1991 - 1994

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/6/1/21
Scope and Contents A file containing copies of artwork, correspondence, draft and finished versions of a treatment [a written summary for a television show idea], professional headshot photographs of comedian and SIPL voice actor, Harry Enfield; press-clippings, and notes for a proposed children's television series based on the life and works of artist and musician, Gerard Hoffnung. Spitting Image Productions Limited proposed to create a series of 10-minute episodes, which would have starred Enfield as...
Dates: 1991 - 1994
Conditions Governing Access: From the Sub-Fonds: See sub-level descriptions for information on access conditions.
 File

How to Make a Puppet File, c 2019

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/5/12/2/2
Scope and Contents A file containing documents that revolve around the process of making foam latex puppets. The file's contents appear to have been partially compiled from previously produced documentation, relating to the production of puppets and the satirical television series, Spitting Image. The file holds the following: computer printouts of a document that appears to be dated c 2019; printouts of photographs or photocopies of pages on how to make a ...
Dates: c 2019
Conditions Governing Access: From the Sub-Series: See sub-level descriptions for information on access conditions.
 Sub-Sub-Series

Hype Greetings Cards, 1991

 Sub-Sub-Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/3/4/3
Scope and Contents Examples of 39 greetings cards produced by Hype Associates Limited. These cards have photographic images on their front covers, which feature illustrations of Spitting Image puppets and plasticine models of various politicians and celebrities, along with a small amount of earlier plasticine model illustrations made by Luck & Flaw. Inside each card there is a message, which is usually a humourous insult directed at the individual(s) on the front...
Dates: 1991
Conditions Governing Access: From the Sub-Fonds: See sub-level descriptions for information on access conditions.
 File

Hysteria! Charity Event, 1987

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/7/2/2/2
Scope and Contents A file relating to Spitting Image Productions Limited's involvement in an AIDS charity concert, Hysteria!, which was held at Victoria Palace Theatre, London, on 7 June 1987. SIPL provided puppets, voice actors and puppeteers, and workshop/production crew for the event. The file includes: correspondence between SIPL and Central Independent Television, regarding permission for the former to be involved in the concert; a document listing details about the event and...
Dates: 1987
Conditions Governing Access: From the Sub-Fonds: See sub-level descriptions for information on access conditions.
 Sub-Series

Insurance Papers, 1989 - 2001

 Sub-Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/9/2
Scope and Contents Correspondence (letters and faxes) and policy documents, relating to various insurance policies purchased by Spitting Image Productions Limited. The majority of correspondence and documentation are between SIPL and the brokeridge firm, Media Insurance Brokers/Sampson & Allen. However, there is also material from the following companies, but not limited to: Bayly Martin Fay International Limited; Commercial Union Assurance; Rollins Hudig Hall Entertainment Brokers Limited; and Royal...
Dates: 1989 - 2001
Conditions Governing Access: From the Sub-Fonds: See sub-level descriptions for information on access conditions.
 Series

Internal Culture Material, 1985 - 1997

 Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/10
Scope and Contents

Material revolving around the internal company culture of Spitting Image Productions Limited, including staff publications, papers relating to company trips to Barcelona and Norfolk, crew apparel, and invitations and posters for staff parties and outings.

Dates: 1985 - 1997
Conditions Governing Access: From the Sub-Fonds: See sub-level descriptions for information on access conditions.
 Sub-Series

Internal Staff Publications, 1985-c 1986

 Sub-Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/10/1
Scope and Contents

Limited examples of Spitting Image Productions' internal publications, produced by members of staff, either as sources of news or for satirical purposes.

Dates: 1985-c 1986
Conditions Governing Access: From the Sub-Fonds: See sub-level descriptions for information on access conditions.
 Sub-Series

International Emmy Awards, 1986 - 1989, 1994

 Sub-Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/11/8
Scope and Contents

Finalist plaques and an award statue presented by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences to Spitting Image Productions Limited and Spitting Swanns Limited.

Dates: 1986 - 1989; 1994
Conditions Governing Access: From the Sub-Fonds: See sub-level descriptions for information on access conditions.
 Item

International Film and Television Festival of New York Medallion, 1989

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/11/15
Scope and Contents

A bronze medallion [or perhaps brass], presented to Spitting Image Productions Limited, by the International Film and Television Festival of New York. The purpose of the award is unknown.

The medallion comes in its original presentation case, the exterior of which is covered in faux crocodile leather. The medallion appears to be fixed in place within the case.

Dates: 1989
Conditions Governing Access: From the Sub-Fonds: See sub-level descriptions for information on access conditions.
 Item

James Gillray Puppet, c 1984

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/1/1/1/2
Scope and Contents

A large puppet of British caricaturist and printmaker, James Gillray, used in the British satirical television show, Spitting Image (SI/687). The puppet has a latex foam head and arms, with a wooden-framed body. It is held upright with a metal pole and stand.

Dates: c 1984
Conditions Governing Access: Part restricted. Access may only be possible with support from specialist conservation staff. Please seek guidance.
 File

Japanese Alien Puppet, c late 1980s-c early 1990s

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/4/16
Scope and Contents

A file holding photographic material featuring images of a green alien puppet, referred to as a 'Japanese alien' (SI/1126). The purpose of this puppet alien is unknown, as is the identity of the photographer.

Dates: c late 1980s-c early 1990s
Conditions Governing Access: From the Sub-Fonds: See sub-level descriptions for information on access conditions.
 Item

John Cole Hand Puppet, c 1984-c 1992

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/1/1/1/9/1
Scope and Contents

A hand puppet head in the representation of former BBC Political Editor, John Cole. The head is made of fibreglass and is painted. This puppet was used in the opening title sequence for the British satirical television show, Spitting Image.

Dates: c 1984-c 1992
Conditions Governing Access: Restricted. This item is currently unfit for production. Please contact repository.
 Item

John Lloyd Puppet Head, c early 1990s

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/1/1/1/6
Scope and Contents

A latex foam puppet head with glass eyes of John Lloyd, co-creator and producer of the British satirical television series, Spitting Image, and producer of the comedy series, Blackadder (SI/1255).

Dates: c early 1990s
Conditions Governing Access: Restricted. This item is currently unfit for production. Please contact repository.
 File

Jon Blair File, 1985 - 1988

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/8/3
Scope and Contents A file of letters and other items addressed to or relating to one of the producers of Spitting Image Productions Limited, Jon Blair. Items include: letters regarding the extension of Anne Newcombe's contract with the company; a letter from Barry Morris, regarding the state of SIPL's financial accounts; and what appears to be a rough draft of a letter from Roger Law to Blair, regarding news that the latter has been criticising SIPL to the members of upper management at Central Independent...
Dates: 1985 - 1988
Conditions Governing Access: From the Sub-Fonds: See sub-level descriptions for information on access conditions.
 Sub-Sub-Series

Kevin Francis Limited, 1988, 1991 - 1993

 Sub-Sub-Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/3/5/4
Scope and Contents Material relating to a series of limited edition toby jugs, designed by Spitting Image Productions Limited, and produced by the ceramics company, Kevin Francis Limited. These jugs feature the faces of the following British politicians: Margaret Thatcher, John Major, and Neil Kinnock. These jugs were made in time for the 1992 British general election.This section is split into the following: a file of documentation, and a box with the three aforementioned toby jugs....
Dates: 1988; 1991 - 1993
Conditions Governing Access: From the Sub-Fonds: See sub-level descriptions for information on access conditions.
 File

Key Rings, c late 1980s

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/4/6/9
Scope and Contents

A file holding photographic material connected to merchandise key rings, designed by Spitting Image Productions Limited (SI/452-460). These key rings are in the shape of the heads of various British politicians and royal family members, and international politicians. There are eight strips of 63mm colour transparencies that feature publicity shots, and there are four polaroids that hold images of what appears to be the silicone masters for some of the key rings.

Dates: c late 1980s
Conditions Governing Access: From the Sub-Fonds: See sub-level descriptions for information on access conditions.
 Sub-Series

Krazy Kat, 1989 - 1997

 Sub-Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/2/4
Scope and Contents Material relating to the production of a pilot episode for a stop-motion animation series, based upon American cartoonist George Herriman's comic strip, Krazy Kat. Work on this project appears to begin in c 1989-c 1990, but does not gain traction until 1994, when Spitting Image Productions Limited approached Hearst Entertainment [owner of the Krazy Kat intellectual property] about doing a 52-episode series. A pilot was made in 1996. The...
Dates: 1989 - 1997
Conditions Governing Access: From the Series: See sub-level descriptions for information on access conditions.
 Sub-Sub-Series

Krazy Kat, c 1995-1996

 Sub-Sub-Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10275/3/1/2/14
Scope and Contents

Four plasticine models relating to the production of a 1996 pilot episode for a stop-motion animation series, based upon American cartoonist George Herriman's comic strip, Krazy Kat. This was a joint project between Spitting Image Productions Limited, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), and Hearst Entertainment.

Dates: c 1995-1996
Conditions Governing Access: See sub-level descriptions for information on access conditions.