Wednesday 15 October 2014

Screen worn 5th Doctor costumes -
Silurian special

That Silurian Right Arm and Chest is back on eBay - yet again!

It original sold in May last year, and was re-listed a couple of months later, failing to find a buyer.

Warriors Of The Deep
Silurian right arm and chest
SOLD FOR £94

You are bidding on part of a original Silurian costume ie the front part of the right Arm and Chest, but not the back part of the costume. This was part of the Silurian body suit worn on-screen by Norman Comer playing the lead role of Ichtar in the 1984 Doctor Who story Warriors Of The Deep.

This Silurian right arm and chest is part of the Silurian body suit sold in Bonhams Doctor Who sale in 1991. The costume had the name of the actor "Norman Comer" written in which is the name of the leader ichta. This part of the costume has the actor's name written in.


This is an amazing piece and is in its original condition, the arm has lost some reptilian latex skin.

I only know of two surviving silurians costumes from the entire history of the original dr who series - this part of the costume is from one of them.

Tuesday 5 August 2014

Fifth Doctor Frock Coat - recut

As the latter half of series seven has proved, the Frock Coat is still very much part of The Doctor’s wardrobe.

You'll have no doubt seen that I made myself my own replica using THE incredibly expensive cashmere from W Bills.

I wanted to do the best job I could, especially using such a special cloth.
The pattern I have for a basic Frock Coat is an adaption based on the Laughing Moon design, which frankly wasn't up to scratch for making the coat I wanted.

I therefore went back to basics with a clean sheet and drafted my own pattern using a vintage book dating from the Edwardian period when these coats were at their most popular.


I was very pleased with the result and found it to be a lovely fit and draped well.

So when I came to make my next commission for a Fifth Doctor Frock Coat I quickly realised it was time to retire my old pattern and adopt my latest incarnation of this design classic.

The basic cut is essentially the same - I have to change very little when it comes the the bulk of the body to the coat. All I need to do is add the waistline pockets (the Matt Smith variant has no such pockets, opting for a lone breast pocket instead) and the change the cut of the lapels and collar.

The gorge of the collar and lapels is a lot lower; the lapels themselves are much wider, being something of a hang over from the 1970s; and the collar has a bit more shape to it as it comes towards the corners.

The sleeves are from my basic sleeve block which I use on a lot of garments. You find that once you have a good sleeve block you stick with it unless the design is radically different, demanding a bespoke pattern.


The sleeve doesn't need the button-vented cuff of the Matt Smith version, and since I'm familiar with how the length works, it's easy for me to get the piping band at just the right level from the get go.


The back and side panels are a straight lift from my pattern, and the skirt remains largely unchanged, but is cut a fraction longer to just above the knee. My pattern always allowed for this anyway.

Doing an exercise like this makes you understand and appreciate how a simple change to the style-lines on a garment can make all the difference, and how underneath a lot of apparently different costumes share the same DNA.


If you want to commission a
Fifth Doctor Frock coat, get in touch

You can email me at tennantcoat@me.com 
and I can send you full details.

Sunday 3 August 2014

The Doctor’s braces - back in stock!

After a prolonged time of being out of stock, I finally received a heavy box this week containing my new supply of Fifth and Sixth Doctor braces.


It’s been a frustrating wait, as I had sold my final set over a year ago, since when I have been without any for myself, let alone for sale!

Still, they are here now and if you want to get yourself a set, get in touch!

The braces are made from non-elastic cotton wadding, with cast metal clips on the ends with leather button-on connectors.




This is exactly how the original braces were.

The question marks are, just like the real thing, embroidered on with some of them upside down and mirrored.

The braces come in one size, and are adjustable to fit.








If you want to get you hands on a set of these fantastic braces, they are priced at GB£75 each.
UK shipping: £5
Global shipping: £15
Email me at tennantcoat@me.com 
and I can send you full details.

Saturday 2 August 2014

Great alternative cricket jumper!

When it comes to The Doctor’s costumes there are two routes you can take to replicating his look: either go all out and spend a fortune matching fabrics and patterns (ok, guilty as charged); OR you can find yourself a next-best alternative that blocks in the basic shapes and colours you need.

At the moment, UK high street retailer Marks & Spencer has a great alternative to the season 21 cricket jumper.

It’s not perfect - but it definitely does the job if you are looking for a quick and medium priced time for your Fifth Doctor wardrobe.

Cable Knit Cricket Jumper | M&S
PLEASE NOTE: I cannot link directly to the version you need to buy - click on there Cream Mix option once on the website 

The jumper has just the right style of cable knit and the black and red trim is a darn good ringer for the screen-worn version.
Ok, so it has one red stripe instead of two, but you got to admit it’s not bad for an off-the-shelf cosplay item!


Friday 28 February 2014

Original 5th Doctor items on eBay -
Dalek trooper special

If you’ve always wanted to dress as a Dalek Trooper from Resurrection Of The Daleks, now seems to be the time to live your dream!

Resurrection of the Daleks
Dalek trooper suit
SOLD FOR £311.23


Here is an item I bought in the early 1990s from Stuart Evans, producer of the OOP Sevans Models kits.

I think it’s an original screen-used costume but I can’t be 100% certain.

Interestingly, a couple of years after I had it, I found a note in one of the chest pockets stating ‘Jeff ring Maria in Make Up ASAP’.

I’ve always meant to check out the credits of Remembrance of the Daleks to see if this corresponds but I never have.

There is also ‘Geoff’ (different spelling) written on the inside of the costume.

I don’t think the gloves are original (they’ve begun to deteriorate so I’m providing a second set) and the waist webbing was added by Stuart.

You will receive:- Dalek Trooper suit/overall-grey webbing-two pairs of black rubber gloves-correspondence letters.

Wednesday 5 February 2014

Original 5th Doctor items on eBay - Cyberman special

Here’s some Cybermen related items I spotted on eBay.

Earthshock & The Five Doctors Screen Used Doctor Who Cyberman Suit

Here is your opportunity to own a rare piece of TV History.

This Cyberman suit was used in Earthshock & The Five Doctors.
The name written in the back of the suit is Wayne. Jeff Wayne was a cyber extra in Earthshock.

It has also been featured on This Morning as well as a BBC South East Doctor Who special & ITVs Daybreak & Meridian news.

Please see video from 'This Morning' below which includes the Bonhams evaluation.



Please note that the Suit & Boots are original but it will come with a reproduction Chest Unit & Head worth around £400 and all are mounted on a mannequin.

Although this is collection only, I may be able to arrange for independent delivery depending on the distance.

Feel free to email with any questions


Wednesday 29 January 2014

Gallifrey One 2014 -
Advanced Tailoring Techniques

Last year when I attend Gallifrey One in Los Angeles, I presented a solo panel in which I discussed and showed some of my more challenging tailoring projects.

Due to popular demand, I have been asked to do a similar panel again this year.
The premininary schedule is now out and I am down to present my panel at 4pm on Sunday 16th February 2014.

The main drive of what I shall be presenting will be British Tailoring and the art of the Frock Coat.

I have been making a lot of Frock Coats one way or another over the past 18 month so I’ve gain a lot of experience.

All of the coats have their roots in the classic Edwardian design despite their differing appearances.

I hope if you are coming to Gallifrey One you’ll come alone and join the audience - there will be Jammie Dodgers.....

If you can’t make it, or just want a good idea of what I’ll be talking about, here is a video of my panel from last year.
Enjoy.



If you a specific topic you’d like me to discuss at my panel, please mail me at tennantcoat@me.com 
with your suggestion.