Stunning costumes and weapons from some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbuster sword and sandal movies are to go on show at Torquay Museum from 24th September in a stunning touring exhibition called Warriors of the Ancient World: Epic Movie Arms and Armour.
The exhibition includes a selection of full warrior costumes and armour containing ‘screen used’ props from some of the biggest blockbuster films of recent years, including: Gladiator, Troy, Hercules, Alexander, Centurion, The Eagle, King Arthur, and the hit TV series Spartacus. Much of the movie armour and costumes are historically based with many representing highly accurate reconstructions of warrior equipment and weapons from the ancient world.
Highlights of the exhibition include: Oscar-winning costumes from the multi-award winning Gladiator starring Russell Crowe, displayed with the interior hangings from General Maximus’ campaign tent. There is a full suit of Sarmatian armour used in the climactic battle scenes of King Arthur, created by legendary screen armourer Terry English who also worked on Excalibur and Aliens. Visitors will be able to see the armour and costume of Spartacus worn by Liam McIntyre from the series Spartacus Vengeance.
Uniquely, this exhibition also offers a range of interactive replica handling armour and movie props for visitors to experience, ranging from a gladiator’s helmet to a hoplite’s shield from the film Alexander. Visitors can get a taste of what it would have been like to wear armour from the ancient world.
The Warriors of the Ancient World: Epic Movie Arms and Armour runs from Saturday 24thSeptember until 18th February 2016 at Torquay Museum.
