McCoy Hat Bandana -Limited Edition and screen-accurate!

These hankies are now
SOLD OUT!

Please refer to the replicas I have made
if you require a red hanky

Over the past year or so I have been striving to make as good a replica of the McCoy Hatband Hanky as I possibly can using Spoonflower.
I’ve gone through three versions to date, each getting better than the previous.

But what would be the ultimate would be to track down a supply just like the originals that were bought for the series by costume design Ken Trew.

Well, it just so happens I had a tip-off from a client of mine who pointed me towards a stockist who had them for sale!!!!!

I contacted them and found that although they had it in stock, they only had a limited number and would not be restocking as they no longer dealt with that supplier.

Not wanting to waste an opportunity, I snapped up their entire stock – well, the few they had – and can now offer them for sale!

7 hankies - new versions

I been real busy with a number of projects recently, but at long last I have gotten around to making up some new, improved hankies.

As I outlined previously, I now have produced much better artwork for the classic red hanky, as well as the much rarer brown one.

When I did my first run of hankies I used a lightweight fabric from Spoonflower which was a Bamboo/Cotton mix. It had a silky feel and was just the right weight for a hanky.
Since getting access to the screen-used versions, I’ve found it was on a much thinner fabric.

It just so happens that Spoonflower have had supply problems with the bamboo/cotton, so have been forced to discontinue it and replace it with a Cotton Lawn, which is a much thinner, gauze-like fabric, and a much better match to the real thing.
I have therefore had my new hankies printed on the Cotton Lawn instead.

The first batch of printed fabric arrived a couple of weeks back, and I now have a good half-dozen red and a few brown hankies ready for dispatch if anyone is interested!

The Red Hanky

The classic red hanky has come out pretty well, considering. Spoonflower does have some colour-density issues, especially with reds, but that aside they have come out good.

Below is a comparison between the pattern detail on the screen-used hanky (below, left); the first version I did last year (below, centre); and the new improved version (below, right). click to see a super-sized version.

The Brown Hanky

After offering a next-best option last year (a brown colourway of the existing red design - see right) it is really satisfying to present a much more screen-accurate version for the first time.

As I explained before, the size and area I have reproduced has been a compromise, but what I have done makes for a practical, useable cosplay prop.

Below is a comparison between the screen-used hanky (below, left); and the new replica version (below, right). click to see a super-sized version.

If you want to get you hands on these new improved hankies, they are priced at GB£20 each, or GB£35 for both.

Hat NOT included with any orders!

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

The REAL McCoy

Since I first started doing the replica Seven Hatband Hankies, I discovered the different versions used, which to be honest I was not aware of (call myself a Doctor Who fan?)

From what I gather, the production department of Doctor Who purchased up to twenty of the red paisley hankies used during Sylvester’s first and second season (see right).

For his third (and final) series his costume was revised, with a chocolate jacket (instead of beige), and a complimenting brown hanky around his panama hat to replace the existing red one.

Fewer brown hankies were bought, so they are quite rare and hard to find.
On top of this they were not simple colourway of the existing red ones, but were a segment cut from a much bigger (probably) scarf.

Luckily I recently managed to get access to one of screen-used panama hats, with a rare brown hanky around it (see left).

I was able to get some top quality scans, from which I can create a replica. I also got my hands on a red one too (see above), and also scanned this with the intention of revising my artwork for this at the same time.

Shown above is a reconstruction of the full-sized scarf. The top right corner is the only screen-used part.

Great as it has been to finally get to see the real thing, it has given me a number of dilemmas I need to overcome before I can produce a usable replica.

The quarter segment I have has frayed edges on the outside (top and right in the picture above) and has a surged (overlocked) edge on the others (bottom and left in the picture above).

On top of this, the square this creates is actually not big enough to actually tie around the hat. The screen-used panama hat I obtained has the brown hanky attached with double-sided sellotape, with the tips of the hanky barely touching each other (see left).
When the hanky was remove from the hat, a lot of care was needed to clean off the residual glue left behind by the tape.

I want to make something that is practical, but yet as accurate as I can make it, but on this occasion I think I need to go a little off-pisté to make it work.

My plan is to make the hanky to the same dimensions as the red ones I have been doing as these have worked perfectly for the buyers that have them. However, I do not want to simply enlarge the artwork I have, as this will not look ‘right’. What I will do instead is recreate the rest of the scarf as if I was the wardrobe department at the time, then from it crop a larger area to make the finished hanky.

Shown above is a demonstration of the new crop I will make, repeating the available design to make it big enough.

Here is how I did it.

Firstly I scanned the hanky in large chunks (see left), as I do not have access to a scanner which can do it in one piece.

It is always very difficult to scan fabric without it stretching and skewing, so I have a clever little technique to correct for the inaccuracles that will enevitably be hinherant in the scan.

If you cast your mind back to when I did the original artwork for the Red Hanky, I reconstructed the full design by making up a eighth of it and repeating it (see right).

This is the basic method I will use again, though this time around with a little more thought.




I then montage the scans together to make up the design. I only need to worry about doing a triangle-shaped area, so the bit missing at the bottom will not matter (see left).









I then turn this group of layers into a Smart Object and cut a pin-accurate clipping mask around it to the correct shape (see right).







I can then duplicate this Smart Object layer and rotate or flip it as needed to complete the full design of the scarf, though most of it falls off the pasteboard area of the image (see left).





The clever part of doing it this way, is that when I double-click on any of the Smart Object layers, Photoshop opens up the layer group I created at the start and I can then adjust my retouching for in misalignments (see right). Then when I save this down, because each of the segments was duplicated from the one original layer, ALL the copies of it update automatically, hence a minor tweak will cascade throughout the artwork.

Once this is all done and I’m happy with the result, I can then start colour testing the image with Spoonflower.
I have already done a couple of these tests, and am now pretty happy with the results.

The only fly in the ointment came when I was ready to order my first run of these new hankies. Up until now I have been using a bamboo-cotton mix fabric, which has a silky texture and a very fluid drape, so was just about right for the hankies. Annoyingly this has now been discontinued by Spoonflower’s supplier, so is not available. Drat!

The have, however, brought on board a new material as a sort of replacement, which is called Cotton Lawn.
It is half the weight and apparently has a gauzy (semi transparent) quality to it. To start with I was a little skeptical about it, but having received a sample, I find it is almost a better match to the screen-used props anyway! Which is a result.

So I have now ordered a sheet of red and brown hankies – all to new, super-clear screen-accurate designs!

Check back real soon to see how they have come out – and how to get your hands on one for yourself!!

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 . . .

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.

Bonhams sale 18192
(24th February 2010)
Doctor Who: The Auction –
Costumes and Props from
the BBC Archive

Lots 54 to 60
Ninth Doctor (2005)

Lots 1 to 60
Tenth Doctor (2005-2009)

Lots 61 to 91(also 118 to 120)
Seventh Doctor (1987-1989)

Lots 92 to 108
Sixth Doctor (1984-1986)

Lots 109 to 141(also 95)
Fifth Doctor (1981-1984)

Lots 142 to 165
Fourth Doctor (1975-1981)

Lot166
Third Doctor (1970-1974)

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:

Fans snap up
Doctor Who costumes at auction

There is also a selection of pictures from the auction here:

In pictures: Doctor Who props to be auctioned in London