Mitchell Nugent

Fabricated by silversmith Mitchell Nugent, this is a custom sterling silver skull used as set dressing for David Bowie’s lair, as Jareth the Goblin King in Jim Henson’s cult classic musical fantasy, Labyrinth (1986).

• Mitchell Nugent (American, 1948-1993).
• Used as custom set dressing for David Bowie as the Goblin King 'Jareth' in the film Labyrinth.
• Orb is not fixed.
• Engraved internally and on all sided, including lizard motif inside and on bottom of skull.
• Includes small cabochon diamonds on inside of skull.

Fabricated by silversmith Mitchell Nugent and featuring most prominently in the ‘Magic Dance’ song sequence, the present lot is a custom sterling silver skull for David Bowie’s lair as Jareth the Goblin King in Jim Henson’s cult classic musical fantasy, Labyrinth (1986). This production-used prop features detailed engravings and hinged cranium that opens to reveal a crystal orb and a miniature lizard carved into the underside of the hinged element.

Silversmith Mitchell Nugent was born in New York City in 1948 and by 1968, Nugent was a full-fledged hippie travelling the world until settling in Wales in 1971. It was in Wales that Nugent decided to teach himself the art of silversmithing and jewelry making—eventually developing his signature design aesthetic comprised of baroque carvings of fantastical creatures. Ranging from delicate butterflies with scaled wings to glass-eyed fish to weaponry and amulets, Nugent’s work eventually allowed him to rent a small studio in Camden Town in 1980.

A few years later, the crew working on Jim Henson’s Labyrinth would stumble upon Nugent’s studio and offer him his first big break—a commission to produce hero props for David Bowie’s character in the upcoming fantasy feature. Nugent accepted the commission to create several custom props for Jareth the Goblin King, of which this is one.