Timothy Quay

Biography

Timothy Quay was born in 1947 in Norristown, Pennsylvania, USA, as the identical twin of Stephen Quay. He studied at the Philadelphia College of Art and later at the Royal College of Art in London, where he began working with his brother in experimental animation. Timothy has directed and co-directed numerous short films, feature films, and stop-motion projects, including Nocturna Artificialia (1979), Street of Crocodiles (1986), Institute Benjamenta (1995), and The Piano Tuner of Earthquakes (2005). His work is distinguished by surreal, detailed atmospheres, frozen worlds, and objects full of history, with a constant collaboration alongside Stephen throughout his career.

Photo

Awards and Honors

Critical Favorites

2015Nominee

Best Performance

Quay

2019Nominee

Best Director

The Doll's Breath

2025Nominee

Best Writing

Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass

Career Highlights

1984Highlight

Best Director

The Cabinet of Jan Švankmajer

1987Highlight

Best Director

Tales of the Brothers Quay

Video

ClipSanatorium Under The Sign Of The Hourglass | Clip | Quay Brothers

Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass