SIMON ATKINSON CREATIVE ARTS

The London spacecraft concept was the brainchild of Visual Effects Director Ian Scoones who supplied a sketch and basic cardboard mockup in 1977 to the West London Space Models company. The London represented a worn out space freighter which had been converted as a prison ship by ‘The Federation’ The London appeared in the first three episodes of Blake’s 7: The Way Back, Space Fall and Cygnus Alpha. The model also featured in additional episodes unnamed and redressed to represent various space freighters.

Working from Ian Scoones concept art modelmaker Simon Atkinson was given the job of fully designing and building the model. He went on to build two versions of the London – the main model was 18” in length with a smaller 3” model which is seen alongside the ‘Liberator’ spacecraft. The 18” model was used for launch and landing sequences and various space fly-by shots.

The original London model forms part of an extensive collection of Blake’s 7 miniatures and props held by former BBC VFX Designer Mat Irvine – During 2018/19 Simon Atkinson restored the model to original filming condition. These unique studio and half scale blueprints have been meticulously drawn by Simon based on accurate measurements and observations taken from the model during the restoration and are the most accurate ever produced of this iconic spacecraft.

Close up of sample print detail.

The Half Scale Print.