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A magnificent model of Hogwarts Castle used for the Harry Potter films was revealed for the first time yesterday.

The giant, highly detailed hand-sculpted construction has been used for exterior shots in every Harry Potter film

It is 50 feet in diameter and took a total of 74 years to build when all the time spent by 86 artists and crew members is added up.

It has over 2,500 fibre optic lights to simulate lanterns torches, and even students passing through hallways, and is crammed with details like miniature owls in the Owlery and even hinges on the doors.

The castle, which was constructed by 86 artists and crew, is set to go on display as part of The Making Of Harry Potter studio tour at Leavesden Studios.

Bafta-award winning production designer Stuart Craig, who designed and built the castle with his team, revealed that the design was based on Durham Cathedral and Alnwick Castle.

“Everything to the right of the viaduct is in fact Durham Cathedral,” he said.

“But the profile has been changed so that there are tall, pointy spires so there’s plenty of theatrical exaggeration. It was constructed for the first movie 12 years ago at the sound stage here.

“It’s pretty extravagant, I have to say.”

(Image: WireImage)

But although the exterior looks stunning, there is not much inside he revealed.

“It’s made from a thin skin of moulded plaster applied to bits of MDF,” he said. “The materials are quite simple.

“For every new movie it was wheeled out and repaired.”

* Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making Of Harry Potter will open to visitors from 31 March. Tickets on sale now from www.wbstudiotour.co.uk.