Doctor Who

An original costume used in the production of the long running BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who.

From the 1980 serial State of Decay starring Tom Baker as The Doctor this is the original tunic worn on screen by Thane Bettany as Tarak when he disguises himself as a guard in search of The Doctor and Romana (Lalla Ward) before being killed by Zargo (William Lindsay). The medieval style tunic was created by leading industry costumiers Bermans and Nathans for an earlier unknown production before being retained in their hire stock and being used in multiple productions including Doctor Who. The tunic is constructed from heavyweight canvas and features eyelets to the front for fastening, lace on arms and stud detailing to the various panels, the costume has been heavily distressed and weathered to appear well used and features a number of blood stains to the front and rear, it is these stains and weathering which allow it to be conclusively screen matched to the one worn by Bettany as Tarak throughout the serial. Two labels to the interior, one illegible and one hand inscribed 'EDUARDO CHIEPA' relate to use in other unknown productions.

The tunic remains in good screen used and production weathered condition lacking the lace to the front and several studs, some of which exhibit minor corrosion, generally fine.

A fine example of original costume from the Tom Baker era of this classic science fiction series