Inspirations

Originally published in ‘Time Scope’ charity publication, see my scrap book for more details

What inspired me

We all have things that inspire us; people, places, popular culture. Maybe we will feel inspired after watching the news or a favourite television programme, reading a good book or after a chat with a friend or neighbour.  I feel inspired  immersing myself in the ever growing world of Doctor Who.  The series has always been a sponge for drawing from a huge range of subjects and ideas; literature, art and tax returns! Film, politics and environmental issues too.  A field that influences me greatly, particularly right now, is costume design. As production on the sixth series of The Great British Sewing Bee swung into full gear, I knew that my most favourite TV series would feature in my time on the show, through my designs, personal clothing and ideas.  I never thought just a few years ago that I would be in the position I am now to be able to design, make and produce the items of clothing I’ve always coveted as a child.  

What to wear

Eagle eyed viewers of GBSB this year might have spotted several Doctor Who related items I wore or made on the show.  A Tom Baker Season 12 inspired corduroy jacket and sleeved cape coat, the shirt the character of Turlough wore in in the Fifth Doctor story Planet of Fire and a range of stylish and stunning cravats!  All made by myself and directly inspired by Doctor Who and the work of the BBC costume designers.  This ever evolving and changing series has evolved from being something I enjoy watching or reading about, into something that is directly inspiring my daily life.  The clothes I buy or wear or make, the music I enjoy listening to, the way my house is decorated! And I don't just mean listening to BBC Radiophonic Workshop  soundtracks and having original series TARDIS console room roundel wallpaper. I mean a much deeper level of influence.  

From where?

But where did these ideas come from, why did they make the Fourth Doctor Bohemian style and frock coats?  How is the Sixth Doctor’s multicoloured costume so divisive in people’s opinion of it and iconic at the same time?  I love learning about the designer’s influences, the restrictions they faced when working on their designs and how current fashions and trends of the day fed into them, both directly and subtlety. 

A Document of our times

And it never stops, Doctor Who now is such a huge part of popular culture, and certainly British culture, it is impossible to imagine life without it.  Ever changing, always reflecting the times we live in.  A document to future generations of what is happening now.  Our thoughts, our influences, our hopes.  Doctor Who has inspired me since childhood and continues to be a daily inspiration to me in so many ways.