The Mask of Jack

Face Of The Devil

Spring Heeled Jack who was widely publicized as more of a paranormal entity by the media was most probably an individual dressing up in elaborate costumes in order to hide their identity to commit crimes.

I started my research by looking at different masks that represented devils or demons from all over the world to see if there were any key elements that surfaced in all of the masks or any features I really liked that weren't like the 'traditional' Devil. 

Tibetan mask

Japanese masks

Tibetan mask

Japanese Oni (Devil) inspired mask

Michoacan Devil mask

Guatemalan Devil mask 

Venetian Devil mask

African mask

Wicca coven leader

Mephistopheles mask

Faun mask

Japanese demon mask

tengu mask, early 20th century. Tengu are mythical, long-nosed devils who are said to dwell in forests and mountains and harass travelers. This fabulous rendering features piercing gaze, accentuated by a furrowed brow and menancing grin. Red, gold and black colorations. Old tengu masks are becoming increasingly difficult to find and are in great demand by collectors

Samurai Armour inspired Devil mask

Japanese Theatre Noh mask

Guanajuato Diablo mask

Japanese Noh mask

Mexican mask

3D card Devil mask

Latex Halloween mask

Mexican Diablo mask

wooden Japanese Noh mask

Bolivian festival mask

German Devil mask late 19th century

Japanese demon

Noh mask

Himalayan Demon mask from Nepal

Lucifer's Lawyer concept art

Japanese Noh Theatre mask (evil old man)

Noh Theatre Devil mask

Japanese mask

Japanese couple  in traditional Devil masks

Wooden mask

Japanese Samurai helmet

Venetian mask

Spring Heeled Jack

SPRING-HEEL'D JACK,

THE TERROR OF LONDON.

For my final project I have been struggling to think of an idea that would show off the range of skills I have learnt over the years of studying here and also a subject matter that I would like to create. I looked into lots of different myths, legends and folklores when I came across a mysterious character labelled by the Victorian press as 'Spring Heeled Jack'. First sighted in 1837 he was described as "a most hideous and frightful appearance, and vomited forth a quantity of blue white flames from his mouth, and his eyes resembled red balls of fire". Another report claimed that he wore a helmet, black cloak and beneath that a tight fitting white oilskin. Other existing descriptions portray a devilish appearance whilst others say he dressed a lot like an English Gentleman. The name 'Spring Heeled Jack' came from the creature's ability to make extraordinary leaps mostly to avoid capture. Strong features of his attire is the cloak, breathing fire and metal claws used to assault many of his victims (mainly women).

I bought a book that contained some very good descriptions of all the different outfits SHJ has been reported to wear. "He wore a very small black cap on his head, in which was fastened one bright crimson feather. The upper part of his face was covered with a black domino. When not in action the whole was concealed by an enormous black cloak, with one hood, and which literally covered him from head to foot. He did not always confine himself to this dress though, for sometimes he would place the head of an animal, constructed out of paper and plaster, over his own, and make changes of his attire". Another alternative from the book describes a tight blood red body suit and rather odd footwear. "One foot was encased in a high-heeled, pointed shoe, while the other was hidden in a peculiar affair, something like a cow's hoof, in imitation, no doubt, of the cloven hoof of Satan. It was generally supposed that the springing mechanism was contained in that hoof".

From this initial source I have decided to create a part costume and prop to display multiple skills I have learnt over the years I have studied at  UCA.