Since the days of Greek theatre and hand-held masks, props have been a part of life on theatre sets, and in film and TV. Even the word ‘prop’ goes back to the Renaissance, when small acting troupes travelled Europe. Stage weapons, furniture or other hand-held devices were considered ‘company property’, or simply ‘property’, which then became ‘props’, and then stage props or movie props.

Many movie props are ordinary objects. However, a stage prop must, of course, look real to the audience. Many real objects simply don’t look like themselves to an audience, because of their size, durability, or colour under bright lights, so some are specially designed to look more like the actual item than the real object would. In some cases, a movie prop is designed to behave differently to the real object, often for safety reasons. These might include, for example, movie props like prop weapons or stunt items made from balsawood or fake glassware made from crystallized sugar whose breakage and debris look genuine, without causing injury.

In modern society the usage of stage props has transferred to Motion picture production. Movie props are sourced from prop houses or purchased by the production company. The movie props are usually the responsibility of the Prop Master or Set Decorator.

The properties are determined by the Production Designer who will work alongside a Production Buyer (Prop Buyer).

The Art Department will draw up plans, visuals and put together concept models to gain an idea of how a set will look and then enhance the production by adding movie props to create atmosphere and an idea of realism.

On theatre sets, stage prop hire plays a key role in a production’s success. Stage props are generally considered to be separate from the costumes worn by the actors, the theatre sets themselves or other large objects that can be considered part of the stage.

Keeley Hire is a major supplier of properties to the Film, TV and theatrical industry. In recent years our company has expanded its portfolio to supplying props to the Theme Event Industry. Our exclusive collections of movie props & stage props have been used to create themed sets for corporate parties, theatre sets and product launches.

We are always looking for ways to cover new areas and have also recently supplied movie props to viral commercials and magazine publications.

Originally established in the 1830s, Keeley Hire has one of the largest collections of stage and movie props you’re likely to find anywhere. In fact, at the moment we have more than half a million items in stock, all ready to be hired out.

Although we specialize in historical props ranging from Medieval to the 1940s’, we also stock a wide range of contemporary props such as street dressing and we will endeavor to source movie props for your period.

Now we’re even bigger and better than before, with thousands of square feet of warehousing, just off the A10 in Hertfordshire.

If you’re in the market for prop hire, either for film or theatre sets, check what we can do for you before you do anything else.

Our extensive list of recent credits include from the small screen, “Cranford” for the BBC, “Larkrise to Candleford”, “Tudors” and for film “Sherlock Holmes”, Ridley Scott’s “Robin Hood”, “Clash of the Titans” and “The Wolfman” amongst many others.

In theatre sets we have supplied stage props to West End and touring plays.

We have also supplied stage props to the Armed Forces, schools, colleges, amateur theatre sets and just about anyone who requires our Prop Hire service.

Have a look at our huge range of movie and stage props on our web site - we have a prop database search facility to make your hunt for the perfect stage and movie props even easier. Email or phone your enquiry about our film and stage props, and we’ll confirm the price and availability of the stage or movie prop hire you’ve chosen. At the same time, you’ll have the chance to set up a registered account with us.

Browse through our extensive range of categories ranging from period barrels, bicycles, blacksmiths, candelabra, chairs, dock equipment, fairground, farm equipment, gravestones, Greek, Roman & Egyptian, lampposts & lighting, Military, Market stalls, prams, street dressing, rickshaws, pewter, tavern dressing, and many more.

We also have an extensive range of themed prop hire for special events & theatre sets, including Halloween and Christmas - and much more. Our themed retro items from the 1970s and 1980s include items such as a giant Rubik’s cube, a life-sized ‘ET’ model, a BMX bike and a ‘Dr Who’ police box.

We supply prop hire worldwide and if you are unable to collect and return your stage props we are happy to quote for transport using our experienced range of transport and courier companies.

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