THE first costume design for Mel Gibson’s battle outfit in the 1995 Oscar-winning movie Braveheart is to be sold at auction.
The movie’s costume maker Frances Hill is selling the charcoal drawing, showing Gibson as Scottish freedom fighter William Wallace.
Mrs Hill was present when Gibson first donned the medieval-style garb in 1994 and yesterday recalled how the Australian star drew a broadsword from his back and swung it around the room before approving the costume.
The “highly collectable” original sketch, drawn by Oscar-nominated costume designer Charles Knode and later given to Mrs Hill, will be offered alongside a signed photograph of Gibson wearing the costume at Bonhams entertainment memorabilia sale in London next month.
It is estimated to make £1,500 to £2,000.
Mrs Hill, who made hundreds of costumes for the film, said: “For this battle costume -- a forerunner of the modern kilt -- the designer Charles Knode did this one beautiful drawing which became the final design. My task was to turn it in to a three-dimensional object.
“Mr Gibson was very happy with it. It was important he felt comfortable in the clothes as well as looked right.
“But he was charming. He turned up for the first measurement with no entourage and was just a lovely and very courteous man.
“We discussed the length of the kilt and things like that and got on with it.
“He put on the whole costume and took his enormous sword, which he swung around the room to get comfortable with it all.
“We were all ducking for cover as he loved the sword and weaponry, as all boys do.
“I’ve seen Braveheart numerous times. I am immensely proud of my small part in it.
“It all began with this drawing. There are so many Braveheart enthusiasts out there, I just feel someone else can enjoy it now.”
Katherine Schofield, Bonhams’ entertainment memorabilia specialist, said: “This is the original concept drawing for Mel Gibson’s William Wallace. It is an instantly recognisable and iconic costume.
“The film was an epic and it still resonates with people more than 20 years on.
“Costume designs are highly collectable and anything relating to a key character like Wallace will generate interest.”
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