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A painted plaster theatrical character head, likely used as a prop or display piece in a theatre or film production. It features a strong, expressive face with exaggerated features and a distinctive bald pate.
Dating from the late 1970s or early 1980s, this piece bears the honest marks of its working life. The painted surface shows areas of flaking and chips, particularly around the nose, chin, and eyebrows, exposing the raw plaster beneath. There is general surface grime and scuffing consistent with decades spent in a costume or props department. The base is fitted with a thick coiled rope collar, possibly a later addition for display or part of its original costume.
Its provenance from a theatre collection confirms its professional use. The powerful characterisation suggests it was designed for a specific role, perhaps a menacing or comedic figure, made to be seen from a distance on stage or screen. It is a tangible piece of theatrical history, reflecting a specific design aesthetic of its period.
