STAR TREK designer dies

Jeffries designed the look of the original Enterprise

By Patrick Sauriol     July 25, 2003
Source: Variety

Sad news to report today from the world of entertainment: production/art designer Walter "Matt" Jeffries, the man who designed the look of the original Enterprise in STAR TREK, passed away on July 21 of congestive heart failure. Jeffries was 81.

In addition to designing the twin nacelle/saucer look for the Enterprise (and which is used for nearly all ships in the Federation fleet), Jeffries also designed much of the ship's interior. The crawlspaces that Scotty was seen to work in became known as "Jeffries tubes" in honor of his achievments. Later these same crawlspaces would be seen and mentioned in STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION.

Jeffries also worked as art director on LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, LOVE, AMERICAN STYLE and DALLAS. He is survived by his wife and two brothers, one of which is also a production designer. A tribute to his famous creation will be included on the forthcoming special edition DVD of STAR TREK: GENERATIONS, due out next year.


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