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Inside the Art of Set Design: Tamara Deverell Talks Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein Magic

Tamara Deverell reveals set secrets behind Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, from Medusa mosaics to shipbuilding, nature themes, and cinematic collaborations.

Inside the Decor: Set Design on Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein

If you’re a fan of spellbinding sets, jaw-dropping behind-the-scenes stories, and visually stunning films, you’re going to love this episode of Decorating Pages Podcast. Kim Wannop sits down with legendary Production Designer Tamara Deverell—the creative force behind Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein—to dish out all things art, architecture, and pure movie magic. If Frankenstein’s world seemed breathtaking on screen, this conversation will make you appreciate every mossy corner, icy ship deck, and sculpted detail.

Real Sets, Less CGI – Guillermo’s Golden Rule

Guillermo del Toro is famous for his passion to keep things real, and Tamara Deverell shares how visual effects took a backseat in favor of full-scale set builds. As Kim Wannop points out, there’s something heartwarming about knowing jobs stay in the US, and that talented craftspeople build these incredible worlds. Yes, some VFX magic made appearances, but the production’s heartbeat was in physical construction, even pushing a ship through Toronto harbor for an authentic feel.

Frankenstein Reimagined: Nods and Bold New Moves

Tamara’s journey started at a New York party, when Guillermo whispered “Frankenstein” after Nightmare Alley’s premiere. Having grown up on classic and zany Frankenstein tales, Tamara admits both she and Guillermo nodded to old classics, especially the epic 1930s sets. Still, the freedom under Guillermo’s visionary gaze let Tamara boldly innovate—like placing the lab inside an abandoned water tower and infusing signature elements including the Medusa relief.


Medusa in the Lab: Symbolism Done Right

One of the coolest set pieces is a gigantic Medusa relief—an idea entrenched in Greek mythology, misunderstood monsters, and the myth of Perseus. Guillermo's love for symbols led Tamara to research Medusa’s surprising connection with water towers. The team crafted it as a sculpted, monochromatic centerpiece, ensuring it glowed under dramatic lighting without overwhelming the actors. Surrounding mosaics deepen the mythos, aging gracefully into the fictional world.

Building the Electrified Lab—From Battery Towers to Body Parts

The electrifying Edison battery towers took months to engineer. They had to look like turn-of-the-century glass, glow with changing colors, and move as needed for filming. Tamara recounts having “class A” body parts, background mannequins, and playful moments on set that brought levity. Miniature versions of the lab were built for explosion shots, requiring meticulous translation of their full-scale blueprints for visual continuity.

Age, Decay & Nature—Designs that Tell a Story

Tamara and her team embraced the theme of nature reclaiming humanity’s abandoned spaces. The paint and greens departments layered moss and age throughout the sets, infusing the story with a sense of death, renewal, and the looming presence of time. Every location—whether in Canada, Scotland, or the UK—was chosen and aged to fit Mary Shelley’s world and del Toro’s vision.

Building Ships and Gimbals: Every Designer’s Dream

Ever dreamed of designing a ship? Tamara sure did, and working on Frankenstein gave her the chance to build an Arctic exploration vessel from the keel up—in a parking lot! Inspired by real expeditions and historical sources, the ship incorporated iron plating and layered paint to evoke both period accuracy and the essential “patchworked” Frankenstein aesthetic. The ship sat atop a massive gimbal for dramatic movement, with safety as a top priority.

Collaboration Makes Magic: Lighting, Models, and More

It’s not just about how things look, but how they work for camera, actors, and directors. Tamara’s workflow includes 3D modeling and physical foam core models for every set, making sure the lighting department—and especially cinematographer Dan Loughton—had everything they needed for natural, cinematic effects. Practical tricks like moveable vault columns in the tower and intricate moss squads brought depth, realism, and ingenuity to every scene.

Final Thoughts: Mirrors, Symbolism & Next Adventures

The episode wraps up with a look at mirrors woven into the story, subtle visual reflections, and unforgettable collaboration between Tamara’s team and the film’s decorator, Shane Vieau. While Tamara’s ready for new challenges beyond Frankenstein’s bride, her work on this film showcases pure design brilliance.

If you’re drawn to movie magic, you’ll want to catch Frankenstein on Netflix and check out Tamara’s website for her jaw-dropping sketches, concept art, and more.


 
 
 

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