Puppet & Model Fabrication
Walrus (stop-motion puppet)
A complex stop-motion puppet with silicone skin, articulated features, and replaceable parts for Workshed Animation's feature film.
Sculpting · Models · Props
Matthew Bradley
Model & Prop Maker
Based in North Somerset, creating stop-motion puppets, sculptures, props and scale models for film, television and independent projects.
Craftsmanship and character
I am a model and prop maker with a keen affinity for sculpting. I have a lifelong love of stop-motion animation and its associated artistry, alongside interests in history, Tolkienesque fantasy and English folklore. These passions come together in my creations wherever possible.
The portfolio
From puppet fabrication to miniature worlds
Explore finished pieces and the craft behind them.
Puppet & Model Fabrication
Olbas Oil - ‘The power to breathe’ (stop-motion ad campaign)
Expressive puppet heads with interchangeable features, sculpted body parts, and managed the moulding, casting, and armature construction, also contributing to set dressing.
Puppet & Model Fabrication
Deutsche Telekom Magenta (multiple television ad campaigns)
At Yamination Studios, Birmingham. Role: sculptor, model maker, armature construction, on-shoot puppet maintenance
Prop & Set Construction
BBC - The Famous Five: The Curse of Kirrin Island
Fabricated, cast, and painted sword grips and other soft prop duplicates
Woodworking & Joinery
1:6 Scale Edwards & Roberts Ladies Writing Desk
This 1:6 scale model of an antique Edwards and Roberts ladies' writing desk features hand-carved details and functioning dovetail joints.
Prop & Set Construction
BBC 2022 Commonwealth Games
I built and painted the scale model of Alexander Stadium for the final shot of the advert, and also assisted with set dressing during the shoot.
Prop & Set Construction
Lothlórien (1:30 scale model)
I recreated Lothlórien from 'The Lord of the Rings' in my student accommodation during lockdown, starting with a 3D model and building every component from scratch.
Prop & Set Construction
Plaguepits (an ancient tomb)
I led a team project creating a large, ancient tomb for the movie 'Plaguepits', handling design, welding, carving, and painting for a pivotal end scene.
Sculpting & Casting
Styxosaurus - A Stop-Motion Puppet
A Styxosaurus stop-motion puppet with a ball-and-socket armature for full movement, three mounting points, and a maintenance-friendly design. A custom base completes it.
Puppet & Model Fabrication
Sperm Whale (stop-motion puppet)
A commission undertaken for Workshed Animation and their upcoming feature film. A silicone skin over a ball and socket armature, painted with pigmented silicone.
Sculpting & Casting
The Uruk-Hai
A character sculpted from hard oil clay, over a metal armature, silicone moulded and cast in polyurethane resin. This Uruk-Hai was inspired by Peter Jacksons Lord of the Rings film trilogy.
Puppet & Model Fabrication
Mr Stealy (puppet)
I created a 3D functioning puppet of Stealy from Rick and Morty, mastering new skills like foam work and pattern making.
Woodworking & Joinery
1:6 Scale Windsor Chair
A 1:6 scale model of a Windsor chair, originally created by green woodworker Jason Mosseri, made using a variety of techniques, created out of oak and epoxy putty.
Sculpting & Casting
Alien - Xenomorph
This 1:6 scale model of an antique Edwards and Roberts ladies' writing desk features hand-carved details and functioning dovetail joints.
Sculpting & Casting
Tyrannosaurus-rex (oil based clay sculpture)
My first major venture into sculpting and what re-launched my passion for this craft, a real labour of love! Made out of a medium hardness oil-based clay over a metal armature, the teeth, nails and eyes were created using polymer clay.
Sculpting & Casting
Plasticine
A selection of characters created from plasticine, a more fun and lighthearted approach to model making! Some my own and some inspired by TV and films I enjoy.
Prop & Set Construction
Rent the Musical
A collaborative team-based project for the in-house University production. I was tasked to interpret and convert the scaled modelled designs and construct them out of timber and ply. As well as building a structural frame for the flying flats.
Woodworking & Joinery
Miscellaneous Carpentry Projects
Here are some of the carpentry projects I've undertaken
Prop & Set Construction
CAD Design
Click to see a few of my 'honourable' mentions.
Sculpting & Casting
Other Work
Click here to see a few 'honourable' mentions.
Sculpting & Casting
Arthur the Mail Snail (Stop Motion Short Film)
Arthur the snail puppet and other characters were crafted with props, sets, and story design.
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Working with Matthew
Matt came into our stop motion film as lead creature fabricator and exceeded expectations at every step of the project. His puppets were of professional quality. They looked, felt, and moved as if made by someone with decades of industry experience.... He is incredibly friendly and professional. At every stage - from discovery to delivery - Matt was thorough, punctual. and transparent. Working with Matt was a truly wonderful experience and we would absolutely recommend him to any studio
Workshed Animation
Explore by specialism
Puppet & Model Fabrication
Here you'll find my work in crafting puppets and models, combining artistry and engineering to bring characters to life.
5 projects →Sculpting & Casting
Explore my sculpting and casting projects, where I shape, mold, and refine materials into detailed and expressive pieces.
7 projects →Prop & Set Construction
Take a look at my work in prop and set construction, where I design and build immersive environments and intricate props.
6 projects →Woodworking & Joinery
Browse my woodworking and joinery projects, featuring handcrafted pieces that showcase precision, craftsmanship, and design.
3 projects →Experience & selected work
CV & Portfolio
Explore my experience, qualifications and practical skills, or download a copy to keep.
Experience and qualifications from my 2024 CV. Please contact me for current availability and my latest experience.
Read my CV on this page
About
I am a model and prop maker with a keen affinity for sculpting, based in the UK. My interests in stop-motion animation, history, Tolkienesque fantasy and English folklore inform my work. My experience includes stop-motion creature fabrication, architectural models, moulding, casting and prop making.
Experience
Timothy Richards & Modern Souvenir
Listed in the 2024 CV
Sculptor, crafts person and model maker. Sculpting, mould making, finishing and batch production of plaster souvenirs and architectural models, including new product development and origination of architectural models.
Mangostone
June to July 2023
Model maker and sculptor. Mould making, casting, fabrication and painting of props and models for the BBC's Famous Five production.
Yamination Studios
January to November 2022
Sculptor and model maker. Model, set and puppet making, character maquette sculpting, and work with directors on stop-motion television and commercials.
Workshed Animation
2020 to 2021
Stop-motion puppet fabricator. Multiple commissions for a film studio in the USA, interpreting the client brief to design, build and finish detailed puppets.
Prop Making & SFX: client projects
2019 to 2020
Helped lead a collaborative team project for Peter Thorndike's debut film, PlaguePits.
Other employment: ASDA
2015 to 2017
Employment listed in the original CV.
Education
Greater Brighton Metropolitan College
2021
First Class BA (Hons) Prop Making & Special Effects.
Greater Brighton Metropolitan College
2020
Distinction, FdA Theatre Arts: Prop Making & Special Effects.
Weston College
2015
Level 2 Diploma, Woodwork & Joinery.
Skills
- Woodwork and construction
- Sculpting in clay and reductive poly-carving
- Fibreglassing
- Silicone, fibreglass and plaster moulding
- Urethane casting
- Basic foam construction
- Basic MIG welding
- Painting and finishing
- Silver soldering
- Model making
- Platinum silicone casting, patching and painting
- Basic CAD
- Full driving licence
Get in touch
Have a project in mind?
For project enquiries, collaborations or further information about my work, send a message or email me directly.
[email protected]North Somerset, UK