4 items of marvelous memorabilia of “Doctor Who” fame
“Doctor Who” is more than a television series. For some its an institution, for others a source of inspiration, and for all fans, a rewarding source of entertainment. All of this began 54 years ago today.
Fifty-four years ago today (Nov. 23) the UK’s BBC audience welcomes a science fiction television show that would become a long-lasting global sensation. Enter “Doctor Who.”
Collecting The Doctor
The first episode was “An Unearthly Child,” and it focused on the time-traveling alien simply referred to as The Doctor. However, nothing is simple about The Doctor, his ship - the iconic TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimensions in Space) vehicle, or the travels and experiences of The Doctor and his travel companions. In addition, a fascinating and wise production element of the Dr. Who storyline was that The Doctor would regenerate into different physiques 12 times -- creating a perfect setting for infusion of different actors in the course of the series, according to an article featured in Wired.
The series’ original run on BBC television was from 1963 to 1989. In 2005 the show returned to the regular rotation and it continues to maintain top ratings. It was presented on PBS and CBC in the U.S. and Canada early on and returned when the reboot occurred. Furthermore, it is a prominent program atop the PBS viewing rankings.
Appeal of Merchandise Inspires Interest in Memorabilia
“Doctor Who’s” popularity, like the premise of the show itself, transcends time and space. Generations of the same family count themselves as fans of The Doctor and all the show presents. “Doctor Who” merchandise is as diverse as the different Doctors and storylines that have stirred viewers and sparked a following among collectors. The show also produced great interest when Doctor Who memorabilia has come to auction. Here are four items of “Doctor Who” memorabilia to captivate attention at auction…
The silver painted one-piece body suit of a Cyberman character. It features a molded and painted fiberglass head and chest piece, tube detail to sleeves, legs, chest, and helmet. Furthermore, the character appeared in The Five Doctors, Nov. 1983 and Silver Nemesis, Nov. 1988 episodes. The suit sold for $12,779 during the “Doctor Who: The Auction - Costumes and Props from the BBC Archive,” presented by Bonhams in 2010.
Storied Costumes and Characters
A Medieval Haemovore costume with a head and hands made of molded and painted foam latex, from The Curse of Fenric, Oct. 1989 episode, sold for $958 during the “Doctor Who: The Auction - Costumes and Props from the BBC Archive,” presented by Bonhams in 2010.
An Imperial Dalek made of fiberglass and wood, painted white with gold details, measures 67 inches, appeared in the episode Remembrance of the Daleks, from October 1988, sold for $20,766 during the “Doctor Who: The Auction - Costumes and Props from the BBC Archive,” presented by Bonhams in 2010.
Finally, a full-size painted wooden TARDIS from the official stage show “Doctor Who - The Ultimate Adventure,” sold for $379 during an October 2017 auction through Ewbanks.
