Becket: A Production-Used Prop Saddle and Prop Book, Paramount Pictures, 1964, 2

Becket: A Production-Used Prop Saddle and Prop Book, Paramount Pictures, 1964, saddle with three lion attachment cover, constructed of leather, wood and fibreglass, with prop book in faux gold leaf and faux jewels, embellished with prop jewels, saddle 29in x 14in x 20in (74cm x 36cm x 51cm) (2) Footnotes: This elaborate prop saddle and book featured in the 1964 British epic film Becket, which starred Peter O'Toole, Richard Burton, and Sir John Gielgud. Directed by Peter Glenville, Becket tells the compelling story of the tumultuous relationship between King Henry II and Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Becket was widely celebrated for its powerful performances, notably the intense portrayals by O'Toole and Burton, and it remains a classic of British cinema. The renowned British production designer John Bryan worked on the film. Bryan was an accomplished designer, celebrated for his meticulous attention to historical detail and atmospheric settings. In Becket, his work contributed significantly to the authenticity of the 12th-century world portrayed in the film. Alongside Bryan, Maurice Fowler served as the art director, working to craft the grand and historically resonant look of the sets and props, which included items like this saddle and book used in the film. These props are screen matched. The King's saddle can be seen throughout the movie by Peter O'Toole as King Henry II. It is particularly noticeable during the opening and closing scenes of the film, as well as the hunting scene. The prop book was used in the ordaining ceremony of Becket to Archbishop of Canterbury played by Richard Burton. Please contact the department for images of these props in the film. Provenance: Ex-lot 267, Hansons Auctioneers, 12 January 2024, where purchased by the present owner. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing