Making Hollywood's cutting edge

John Wright's firm used traditional techniques

Epics needs heroes and heroes need their weapons - and those weapons come from Derbyshire.

The latest Hollywood blockbuster, Troy, gives the big screen treatment to Homer's tale of military posturing.

Many of the weapons used during the fight scenes were crafted by a company based in Ilkeston.

The Manor Foundry was commissioned by Warner Brothers to produce dozens of high quality weapons using authentic techniques from ancient times.

Cannes Festival

John Wright from the foundry said: "Elstree (studios) sent us the patterns, mostly made of resin or wood and that has the pattern on it which we have to duplicate."

We don't expect an Oscar - we'll leave that to Brad Pit John Wright, Manor Foundry

Just like the warriors of old, the foundry used bronze for the weapons, cast in traditional green sand moulds.

Mr Wright said: " It is the same way they would have done it hundreds or even thousands of years ago.

"They are fairly heavy, but that is what they must have used, so it is fairly authentic."

As well as swords, the foundry made spearheads, knives, cleavers and hatchets.

The firm also produced a small batch to help promote the film at the Cannes festival.

Mr Wright added: "I don't see how this can do us any harm, but we don't expect an Oscar, we'll leave that to Brad Pit."