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Hartcliffe seamstress breaks down barriers
Hartcliffe’s Liz Murphy is living proof that you don’t need a string of letters after your name to follow your dreams.
The former BRI administrator with a passion for sewing was introduced by a friend to the designer for the hit US comedy series Galavant, which films in Hengrove’s Bottle Yard Studios.
Before she knew it, she had become a seamstress working on the ABC production’s set and costumes, and is now based full-time at the Bottle Yard.
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“It used to be purely a hobby,” says the blue-haired 27-year-old, who started out making cosplay costumes for herself and her friends.
In 2010, she represented the UK at Eurocosplay, a prestigious competition run by MCM London Comic Con.
But Liz remained at her day job in the BRI until a chance connection landed her with the production team of Galavant where was soon hired to sew set furnishings such as drapes, bedding and cushions.
Despite her obvious enthusiasm for her new line of work, Liz was initially hesitant to commit fully to working in show business.
“I started working mornings in the hospital and in the afternoons I did Galavant,” she says. “In September though, I realised what I really wanted. I have to thank my husband. He kind of gave me the push that I needed. It’s always scary to go for something that isn’t a guaranteed monthly income.”
So far, work has been consistent. Galavant ran for a full two seasons with a future possibility of a third. During the show’s second season, Murphy began working on costume construction as well as set design.
“This is my absolute dream,” Liz says. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but getting in always proved to be tricky because I never had a degree [in the industry], so I never had the connections people sometimes get.”
Liz’s career is now intrinsically connected to the Bottle Yard. “It’s absolutely perfect – I can walk to work from my house,” she laughs. “Having this here means I have the opportunity to do what I’ve always wanted.”
Bottle Yard site director Fiona Francombe says that Liz’s story “is what the studio is all about”. She said: “It’s about making the industry attainable to the people of Bristol. Liz is a primary example of that.”
For more information about Liz, visit www.sites.google.com/site/elizabethmurphydesigns/
Read more: The Hollywood of Hengrove