Doctor Who

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

From the 1989 serial Survival starring Sylvester McCoy as The Doctor this is the original Kitling puppet which features as a central plot device throughout. Constructed by designer Malcolm James of the BBC Visual Effects Department this puppet was created for use where specific movements of the head, eyes and jaw were required and was ultimately used extensively during filming due to the real cats the department hired proving uncooperative. Constructed from mixed materials to include fibreglass, foam latex and fur pelts the puppet features an internal metal armature with a hose running through the body to house the cables used to control the various movements, this being achieved by several crew concealed off camera, operators of the puppet included effects assistants Mike Tucker, Paul McGuinness and James Davis. During the production this puppet was affectionally nicknamed Sooty by series producer John Nathan-Turner.

The puppet remains in very good its age considered, many years ago some restoration work was completed to the face, mainly to the nose and jaw area. Now in stable condition the remainder of the puppet body is excellent simply being of fur construction.

A unique and displayable artefact from this memorable serial which marked the end of the classic series of this cult science fiction phenomenon.