Archive of material pertaining to the development of a metal 'robot hand' gauntlet for Prince, made by designer Liz [Wynne] Bucheit, highlighted by a paper pattern, inspiration imagery, correspondence with Paisley Park, and Polaroid photographs of the completed piece.
The archive begins with a letter on Paisley Park letterhead by wardrobe designer Heidi Presnall, dated February 1, 1991, discussing the project: "Enclosed you will find a sketch and a copy from a current fashion magazine showing the metal hand that we had previously talked about last week. This hand will need a mock up for both the left and the right hand as we yet do not know which hand Prince will choose to wear it on. The mock up should be made as inexpensively as possible. You will best know what materials to use. The hand size is a women's 8 with slightly longer fingers. I cannot get a hand tracing for you, however, we can figure out the changes that will need to be made when we do the initial fitting." Included are two pages removed from magazines, featuring a similar piece designed by Thierry Mugler used as inspiration, plus a photocopy of a concept sketch of the proposed design.
The designer's preliminary quote for the piece—suggesting aluminum as the material, and proposing 17 hours of labor for a total cost of $450—is included, as is the paper pattern—individual pieces tied together with string—and three original Polaroid photographs of the metal mockup, one with some suggestions written on a note on the reverse. Additionally includes the metalsmith's $250 invoice for the "'Robot Hands' Prototype," with PRN Productions paystub attached, as well as a later handwritten fax sent to Heidi Presnall. In overall fine condition. An incredible archive documenting the conception and development of Prince's signature style.
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