Who Is Brothers Quay? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on June 17, 1947, the Brothers Quay, Stephen and Timothy Quay, have established themselves as legendary figures in the realm of stop-motion animation and experimental filmmaking. With roots in Pennsylvania, they have made a significant impact on the film industry, blending surrealist art and narratives into their works. As of 2025, they are 77 years old and continue to influence emerging filmmakers through their visually striking and emotionally charged creations.
| Occupation | Production Designer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 17, 1947 |
| Age | 77 Years |
| Birth Place | Norristown, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Brothers Quay's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific physical measurements for the Brothers Quay are rarely documented, they are known for their unique and distinct appearance, often characterized by their artistic style. Despite their age, they maintain an aura of vitality and creativity that transcends traditional physical statistics. Their dedication to their craft and artistry holds more prominence than their measurements.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
The Brothers Quay are known for being intensely private about their personal lives. To date, there haven’t been any public disclosures about their romantic relationships or family members. Speculations regarding partners or spouses remain unconfirmed, as they primarily focus on their work in animation and film, leaving little room for media scrutiny into their private affairs.
In 2013, the Quay Brothers were recipients of a residency program award at the Wexner Center of the Arts, Columbus, Ohio.
The project they undertook coinciding with this residency was a puppet animation film entitled: Unmistaken Hands: Ex Voto F.H.–that revolves around the work and life of Uruguyan writer Felisberto Hernández, often referred to as the father of 'magic realism', and for whose work the Quay Brothers share an affinity.
The production was overseen by Edward Waisnis through PRO BONO films, in collaboration with Atelier Koninck QBFZ, and the support of the Fundación Felisberto Hernández, and features a score composed by Timothy Nelson, who has worked with the Quay Brothers previously.
As of January 2014, the Quay Brothers have been in production with The Digital Toy Company on a joint film/video-game project entitled Asleep: I Hear My Name.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, the estimated net worth of the Brothers Quay is believed to be in the range of $5 million to $10 million. Their extensive career, spanning several decades, has garnered them various awards and accolades, adding to their financial success. Through their unique films and successful projects, they have built a solid income base, although their earnings largely depend on ongoing projects and royalties from their past works.
Career, Business, and Investments
The Brothers Quay have carved out a distinct niche in the world of animation with their groundbreaking films such as Street of Crocodiles and The Piano Tuner of Earthquakes. They are celebrated for their innovative use of puppetry and the surrealistic atmosphere of their films. In addition to their award-winning short films, the Quay brothers have collaborated with European artists and musicians, further cementing their reputation in the film industry. They continue to work on new artistic endeavors, ensuring their legacy in the art of animation remains vibrant.
The Quay Brothers were commissioned by Leeds Canvas, a group of eight cultural organisations in Leeds, UK, to create in May 2012 a major citywide art installation, OverWorlds & UnderWorlds.
The commission was one of twelve 'Artists Taking the Lead' projects around the UK, Arts Council England's flagship contribution to the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.
Later in the same year, the Quay Brothers were the subject of a grand retrospective exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, New York entitled Quay Brothers: On Deciphering the Pharmacist's Prescription for Lip-Reading Puppets which featured work spanning their entire career, tracing back as early as childhood, with much of the material shown for th
e first time.
Organized by Ron Magliozzi, Associate Curator of MoMA's Film Department, the exhibition ran from August 12, 2012, through January 7, 2013 and included a full coinciding film program.
Social Network
Despite their artistic prominence, the Brothers Quay maintain a low-profile presence on social media. They are not heavily engaged in social networking platforms, preferring to let their work speak for itself. However, their fans actively share their work on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, helping to keep their legacy alive in the digital age.
Most of their animation films feature puppets made of doll parts and other organic and inorganic materials, often partially disassembled, in a dark, moody atmosphere. Perhaps their best known work is Street of Crocodiles (1986), based on the short story of the same name by the Polish author and artist Bruno Schulz.
This short film was selected by director and animator Terry Gilliam as one of the ten best animated films of all time, and critic Jonathan Romney included it on his list of the ten best films in any medium (for Sight and Sound's critics' poll of 2002).
They have made two full-length live action films: Institute Benjamenta, or This Dream People Call Human Life (1996), produced by Keith Griffiths and Janine Marmot, and The Piano Tuner of Earthquakes (2005), produced by Keith Griffiths. They also directed an animated sequence in the film Frida (2002).
Education
The Brothers Quay studied at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and received further education in London at the Royal College of Art. Their academic background in art and film has significantly influenced their unique approach to storytelling and animation. This solid foundation allowed them to explore their creative potential, leading to avant-garde innovations in their craft.
The Quay Brothers reside and work in England, having moved there in 1969 to study at the Royal College of Art, London after studying illustration (Timothy) and film (Stephen) at the Philadelphia College of Art, now the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.
In England, they made their first short films, which no longer exist after the only prints were irreparably damaged. They spent some time in the Netherlands in the 1970s and then returned to England, where they teamed up with another Royal College student, Keith Griffiths, who produced all of their films.
In 1980, the trio formed Koninck Studios, which is currently based in London's Old Street area of Hackney.
