The Monster Walks: Another Gallery1988 Exhibit

Frankenstein’s monster has risen from the slab once again, and Michelle and I have only ourselves to blame. Well, maybe Gallery1988 should shoulder some of the blame, because this mixed-media Son of Frankenstein diorama is part of their current show, The Golden Age of Hollywood.

Over 22 inches of pure terror.

The diorama is inspired by the 1939 Universal classic, Son of Frankenstein, starring Basil Rathbone, Boris Karloff, and Bela Lugosi. It’s a horror movie classic, with many of its iconic elements referenced in Mel Brooks’ 1974 comedy classic, Young Frankenstein.

Michelle wrapping the body in preparation for the needles. Grisly stuff.

The piece is titled The Monster Walks (after a line of dialogue Bela Lugosi delivers in the film) and features a stylized, needle felted version of the monster as he lumbers through the forgotten, subterranean laboratory.

Squeak squeak.

But the monster isn’t alone. He shares this space with an adorable rat who is startled by the monster’s sudden appearance and intimidating size. The terrified rodent and his late night snack are sculpted in clay. All told, this diorama stands over 22-inches tall.

The origin of the phrase “So scared I dropped my cheese.”

I had such a fantastic time working on this piece with Michelle — and it took so much time to complete — that Frank really became part of the family here at the studio.

Monster bffs. Signed each other’s yearbook.

But, alas, the Creeper and the rest of our monsters are going to have to get along without him around here because the diorama sold to a collector. We’re very happy he’ll be going to a loving home.

If only we’d made a dozen of them, we’d be on Easy Street.

But The Monster Walks is still displayed as part of Gallery1988’s online show. Michelle and I urge you to visit their site and take a look at all of the amazing artwork there inspired by movies that helped define the film industry. It really is an amazing show and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.

Sometimes Frankenstein takes off the blazer and dons a bathmat.

And if you’d like to see us stitch this monster together, you can watch our process video below.