Thursday 25 February 2010

Bonhams costume sale - the viewing

Well this week was the latest Doctor Who sale at Bonhams, and on Sunday I went along to the viewing. The write-up below features the Seventh Doctor items, and I have written about the other Doctor eras under the appropriate blog.

I had arranged to meet a couple of friends, who had been to visit me a few weeks back so I could pattern trace their screen-used Colin Baker Costume. They were at the auction with the serious intention of bidding on some items. I won’t divulge what, as that would be telling, but suffice to say it does not clash with anything I have my own eye on! Phew!


As well as a lot of New Series stuff, there was a good showing of McCoy era items too.

One of the items gaining a lot of interest was Ace’s bomber jacket, covered in all its badges and patches (see right).

Sadly a number of the patches and badges appeared to be missing, but it was still pretty well covered, so I took advantage of the opportunity to get some detailed close-up pictures of what did remain.
Here are some of my detail pictures (see below).





Next to where the Ace jacket was displayed was a glass case with some of the smaller items on offer. Down the far end, on the top shelf, was Syvester McCoy’s hat with hatbands (see right). The lot came with two loose red hankies and a brown hanky around the hat, making a total of three, despite the catalogue showing and only listing two. Also in the lot is a purple striped scarf, which as far as I understand it, was only worn for a few seconds in Time And The Rani as a substitute Season 18 scarf when The Doctor is choosing his wardrobe.

Elsewhere around the room were most of the costume-based lots, with the original series on one side and the new series on the other.

I was in two minds about the new series stuff, as the majority of it was simply of-the-peg high street bought clothing, so not really that special.

Representing the Seventh Doctor were the Cheetah people from Survival (see below, left); The Kandyman from The Happiness Patrol (see below, centre); Mordred’s armour from Battlefield (see below, right).


Elsewhere there were some Haemovores from The Curse of Fenric; some clowns and a God of Ragnarok from The Greatest Show In The Galaxy (see below).


From Time And The Rani, there were some Lakertyan costumes (see below, top left) and the Time Brain (see below, bottom right); the Cleaning Machine (though heavily fire damaged) from Paradise Towers; and the Bus Conductor’s head from The Greatest Show In The Galaxy (see below, bottom left).


And that wasn’t all! There was a nice display of various Cybermen, some of whom had appeasred in Silver Nemesis (see left).
There was some dispute as to which had appeared in what episodes, with some of them being a marriage of more than one original costume, which had happened both during production and since.

Finally there was also a number of Dalek related items form Remembrance Of The Daleks, including the Dalek battle Chair, the Dalek Transmat and two full-sized Daleks, though one had been conciderably repainted since (see below, left).


Also running was a decaying Tetrap from Time And The Rani; A Dragon Head from Dragonfire; and a Navarino from Delta And The Bannermen.

After all the headline grabbing of the New Series stuff, such as Kylie’s dress, I am wondering what interest there will be for the old stuff. I’m sure there will be die-hard fans there to bid no matter what.

We shall see . . .

Tuesday 9 February 2010

Bonhams costume sales - previous auctions

The upcoming sale of classic and new series costumes and props at Bonhams got me thinking about an  item from previous sales, which although is not screen-used, I thought was worth sharing.



Lot 15
Sylvester McCoy as Dr. Who, 1987-1989
A complete outfit, comprising: a cream linen single breasted jacket, with plastic buttons, labelled inside "Twentieth Century Costumes" inscribed "XBH10430", a geometric patterned sleeveless pullover, of multicoloured wool, with applied felt question marks, a pair of multicoloured pinstripe trousers, of wool, labelled inside "Morris Angel & Son., Ltd, Theatrical Costumiers, 119 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2", a white cotton shirt, labelled inside "Angels The Costumiers", a geometric patterned silk tie, labelled "Produced & Distributed by Sanders", with inscribed label "Fruity", a paisley patterned scarf, with fringed ends, two pairs of cream and brown 1920's style lace up shoes, a wool paisley cravat, a pair or red elasticated braces and a straw panama type hat with paisley band.
Footnote:
This costume, although worn by Sylvester McCoy, was used for exhibition and promotional purposes and did not feature in the television series.
Sylvester McCoy took over as the seventh Doctor with an altogether new approach, mixing the eccentricities of most of the previous Doctors with a dark brooding aura.
Costumes by Ken Trew
Sold for £1,200

Tuesday 2 February 2010

Bonhams costume sale - 24th February 2010

In a few of weeks time there is another costume sale at Bonhams in Knightsbridge, this time selling off a vast number of items which have featured in the various exhibitions that have been held around the country.

Since I covered the previous auctions at Bonhams on the 16th June 2009 and 16th December 2009, I felt I should do the same for this, but because there are SO many items on offer, I have split them up by Doctor.



Here are just the lots relating to the Seventh Doctor era
Of particular interest is Lot 91, which includes both the red AND brown hat bandana hankies I have been producing replicas of.

I’m almost tempted to bid, or at the least hope the ultimate buyer is someone who is agreeable to allowing access for the purposes of scanning them . . .

Though in the auction itself, that may be out shone by the Ace jacket (Lot 81), which still bears its patches, some of which have yet to be properly identified.

Finally, its sad to see the state of the Tetrap (Lot 89), compared to the one at the 16th December auction.
Lot 61
Survival, November 1989
A complete Cheetah Person costume, moulded foam latex head applied with faux fur, the body suit with tribal style garments, yellow skirt and belt, manufactured of beads, metal discs, embroidered Peacock feather motif and woven fabric, together with gloves with applied faux fur to back, on mannequin, height 64 inches (163cm)
Estimate: £800 - 1,200
Sold for £720
Lot 62
Survival, November 1989

A complete Cheetah Person costume, moulded foam latex head applied with faux fur, the body suit with tribal style garments, skirt and belt, manufactured of beads, metal discs, suede strips and woven fabric, together with gloves with applied faux fur to back and woven fabric wrist protectors, on mannequin, height 65 inches (165cm)
Estimate: £800 - 1,200
Sold for £960
Lot 63
Survival, November 1989

A Cheetah Person costume, comprising; one-piece faux fur body suit, a pair of gloves partially covered in matching faux fur
Estimate: £450 - 650
Sold for £264
Footnote:
Please note: The arm pieces and sandals which appear in the illustration are not included with the lot.


Lot 64
The Curse of Fenric, October 1989

A Medieval Haemovore costume, head and hands of moulded and painted foam latex, with cream coloured cotton stripe shirt with crochet detail to collar, with leather effect quilted waistcoat, grey coloured link effect vinyl belt, black coloured wool mix trousers and black rubberised boots, on mannequin, height 67 inches (170cm)
Estimate: £600 - 800
Sold for £720
Lot 65
The Curse of Fenric, October 1989

The Ancient One - a Haemovore, of moulded and painted foam latex, body with extensive applied detailing in various fabric, metal and plastic materials, including; applied suede laced pieces, metal disc loin cloth, tubes to chest and articulated metal shoulder armour, on mannequin, height approximately 72 inches (183cm)
Estimate: £1,000 - 1,500
Sold for £960
Lot 66
The Curse of Fenric, October 1989

A Naval Haemovore costume, head and hands in moulded and painted foam latex, dressed in Naval Officers uniform, on mannequin, height 67 inches (170cm)
Estimate: £600 - 800
Sold for £900
Lot 67
The Curse of Fenric, 1989

A Haemovore head, moulded and painted foam latex
Estimate: £200 - 300
Sold for £1,080
Footnote:
The Haemavores are vampire-like creatures mutated from the Human survivors of futuristic pollution ravaged Earth.


Lot 68
Battlefield, September 1989

A Mordred costume, a collection of armour and related costume, comprising; helmet, with horse hair effect plume, body armour, shoulder pieces, breastplate, upper leg guards and hinged footguards in simulated metal, with woven chainmail effect fabric tunic and collar
Estimate: £300 - 400 
Sold for £720
Footnote:
This armour is worn by the character Mordred during the Episode.


Lot 69
The Greatest Show in the Galaxy, December 1988

A Robot Clown costume, comprising; a pink and black chequered clown suit, the jacket with black lapels and pockets, pink bow-tie, with black and orange hat, painted foam latex mask, on wired mannequin, height 72 inches (183cm)
Estimate: £250 - 300
Sold for £336
Lot 70
The Greatest Show in the Galaxy, December 1988

A Robot Clown costume, comprising; a black and chequered clown suit, with black jacket, orange bow-tie, with black and orange hat, on mannequin,
height approximately 64 inches (163cm)
Estimate: £250 - 300
Sold for £168
Lot 71
The Greatest Show in the Galaxy, December 1988

A Robot Clown costume, comprising; a Pierrot clown suit, in multi-coloured polka dot pattern satin effect fabric, with embroidered circular motif, purple and white ruff and blue and purple glitter wig, on mannequin, height 61 inches (155cm)
Estimate: £250 - 300
Sold for £144
Lot 72
The Greatest Show In The Galaxy, December 1988

A God of Ragnarok costume, the seated full length figure in moulded and painted foam latex, the separate head on wooden stand, height 56 inches (143cm)
Estimate: £600 - 900 
Sold for £1,080
Footnote:
During the course of the Story these creatures crave entertainment and destroy those who fail to provide it.


Lot 73
The Greatest Show In The Galaxy, December 1988

The Bus Conductor head, of moulded and painted plastic, with shaped ear piece, height 13 inches (33cm)
Estimate: £80 - 120 
Sold for £780
Footnote:
This head features as the remains of the mechanism after the Doctor has destroyed it.


Lot 74
Silver Nemesis, November 1988

A Cyberman costume, silver painted body suit, with moulded and painted fibreglass helmet and chest pieces, tubing to arms and legs, gloves having attached laser gun, on wired display frame and stand, height 75 inches (191cm)
Estimate: £1,000 - 1,500
Sold for £4,080

Lot 75
Silver Nemesis, November 1988

A Cyberscope, silver and black painted circular wooden console, with two control panels having plastic switches, with four lasers, and central spherical plastic ball, on column supports and octagonal base, height 50½ inches (128cm), diameter 24 inches (61cm)
Estimate: £1,000 - 1,500
Sold for £2,520
Lot 76
The Happiness Patrol, 1988

The Kandyman, of multi-material composition, with circuit board to chest, with internal circuits and wiring, height approximately 70 inches (178cm)
Estimate: £600 - 1,000 
Sold for £1,920
Footnote:
This particular costume has several condition issues relating to the deterioration of the foam latex (see illustration). Although originally a pristine costume from the Episode, its appearance now more closely resembles the destroyed version which appears in the show.


Lot 77
Remembrance of the Daleks, October 1988

An Imperial Dalek (Mk 1) - altered for Exhibition purposes,
of fibre glass and wood construction, painted black (over original white paint) with gold details, including; Hemispheres, Plunger (replacement Mark II version), Slats (five shoulder slats missing), Gun Stick and Rods, with metal Gun and Plunger, and replacement eyeball on original stalk and replacement plastic Dome Lights, wheel base missing, height approximately 65ins (165cm)
Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500
Sold for £20,400
Lot 78
Remembrance of the Daleks, October 1988

Dalek Battle Chair, the Dalek shaped silver and black body, of wood, with padded seat, and helmet above, black painted with silver painted hemispheres and details, on casters, height 63 inches (160cm)
Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 
Sold for £6,600
Footnote:
The Chair is a device which enables the combination of human ingenuity and Dalek technology to aid strategic planning.


Lot 79
Remembrance of the Daleks, October 1988

A Dalek Transmat, of black and silver painted wood, with hemispheres and internal wiring, height 59 inches (150cm)
Estimate: £800 - 1,200
Sold for £1,200
Lot 80
Remembrance of the Daleks, October 1988

An Imperial Dalek (Mk 2), of fibre glass and wood construction, painted white with gold details, including; Hemis, Plunger, Slats, Gun Stick and Rods, with metal Gun and Plunger, and plastic Dome Lights, height approximately 67ins (170cm)
Estimate: £5,000 - 7,000
Sold for £15,600
Lot 81
Dragonfire, November 1987 onwards

Ace (Sophie Aldred) - A complete principal costume, comprising; Ace's black bomber jacket, with orange lining, with various badges and patches applied overall, back with embroidered character name, together with T-shirt and skirt, on mannequin
Estimate: £1,000 - 1,500
Sold for £3,240
Lot 82
Dragonfire, November 1987

A black handgun, part only (hand section), of moulded composition, painted black, length 9 inches (23cm)
Estimate: £40 - 60 
Sold for £288
Footnote:
Part of one of the weapons used by Kane's mercenaries on Iceworld.


Lot 83
Dragonfire, November 1987

A Dragon Head, in moulded and painted fibreglass and foam latex, including two hinged back sections, length approximately 51 inches (130cm)
Estimate: £200 - 300 
Sold for £480
Footnote:
The character is a disguised biomechanoid encountered on Iceworld.





Lot 84
Delta and the Bannermen, November 1987

Delta's Accessories, including; gun belt, with holster and two weapons packs, painted white on cardboard
Estimate: £50 - 80
Sold for £144

Lot 85
Delta and the Bannermen, November 1987

A Navarino, moulded and painted foam latex and fabric, with integral head piece, on display frame, height 78 inches (198cm)
Estimate: £650 - 850 
Sold for £432
Footnote:
The Navarino feature as 'space tourists' during the episode, travelling to Disneyland only to land off course and find themselves stranded in a Welsh Holiday Camp.


Lot 86
Paradise Towers, October 1987

Cleaner Machine - incomplete and severely fire damaged, metal and moulded fibreglass, with three limbs (including drill) and headlights, height 68 inches (173cm), width 47 inches (120cm), length 68 inches (173cm)
Estimate: £250 - 300 
Sold for £120
Footnote:
This particular prop was damaged in the Longleat Dr Who Exhibition fire, consequently only half of the original upper body remains.


Lot 87
Time and the Rani, September 1987

A Lakertyan costume, comprising: headpiece, tunic with laced seams, further laced seam body pieces, multi-coloured stripe sash, canvas cape, and a body suit together with a pair of flesh coloured leggings
Estimate: £300 - 400

Sold for £120

Lot 88
Time and the Rani, September 1987

Three Lakertyan caps, each of cream coloured fabric, with quilted pink band decorated with strips of geometric pattern fabric
Estimate: £60 - 80
Sold for £144

Lot 89
Time and the Rani, September 1987

A Tetrap costume, moulded and painted latex, with faux fur, with corresponding gloves, on mannequin, height 67 inches (170cm)
Estimate: £200 - 300 
Sold for £552
Footnote:
This costume has condition issues relating to the deterioration of the foam latex (see illustration).


Lot 90
Time and the Rani, September 1987

The Time Brain, of moulded and painted fibreglass, with applied latex veins, having internal wiring, length approximately 50 inches (127cm)
Estimate: £300 - 500
Sold for £180

Lot 91
The Seventh Doctor (Sylvester McCoy), Time and the Rani, September 1987

A collection of accessories, comprising; a Panama hat, inner band stamped 'Lock & Co., Hatters, St. James's Street, London', two paisley handkerchiefs, with knitted blue and mauve stripe scarf
Estimate: £250 - 350
Sold for £1,440




Lot 118
The Five Doctors, November 1983 and Silver Nemesis, November 1988

A Cyberman costume, silver painted body suit, with moulded and painted fibreglass helmet and chest pieces, tubing to arms and legs, on mannequin,
height 72 inches (183cm)
Estimate: £2,500 - 3,000 
Sold for £4,080
Footnote:
The head, chest-plate and gloves are from The Five Doctors, all other components are from Silver Nemesis.


Lot 119
The Five Doctors, November 1983 and Silver Nemesis, November 1988

A Cyberman costume, silver painted body suit, with tubing to arms and legs, moulded and painted fibreglass helmet and chest piece, on mannequin, height approximately 72 inches (180cm)
Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 
Sold for £8,400
Footnote:
The gloves are from The Five Doctors, all other components are from Silver Nemesis.


Lot 120
The Five Doctors, November 1983 and Silver Nemesis, November 1988

A Cyberman, comprising; a silver painted one-piece body suit, with moulded and painted fibreglass head and chest piece, tube detail to sleeves, legs, chest and helmet, with matching gloves and feet, the back open to show internal exhibition electric motor, on mannequin, height 73 inches (186cm)
Estimate: £1,800 - 2,500 
Sold for £9,600
Footnote:
The head and chest unit are from The Five Doctors, all other components from Silver Nemesis.




You can watch a BBC News report on the auction here:
There is also a selection of pictures from the auction here: