News / Doctor Who
Bristol milliner on making hats for Doctor Who
Even in a production as high budget as Doctor Who, the majority of costumes are hired from companies such as Bristol Costume Services in the Bottle Yard.
But when a bespoke creation is needed like a hat for a legendary villain dancing to Spice Up Your Life, pieces are commissioned to be specially made by the best in the business.
Which is where Bristol-based theatrical milliner Ani Stafford-Townsend comes in.
is needed now More than ever
Stafford-Townsend made the white, red and gold hat worn by Neil Patrick Harris in 60th anniversary special, The Giggle, with his dancing and lip-synching to the Spice Girls already a piece of Doctor Who folklore.
They also made the wide brim open crown hat in caramel wool felt sported by Ncuti Gatwa in a promotional photograph from the new series which starts on BBC One on Christmas Day.
Ncuti Gatwa in a wide brim open crown hat made by Bristol milliner Ani Stafford-Townsend – photo: BBC
The costume designer for the trio of 60th anniversary specials and the new season of Doctor Who is Pam Downe, who previously worked with Stafford-Townsend on The Trial of Christine Keeler, which was also shot in and around Bristol.
“I’ve always loved Doctor Who, so it’s really exciting to be part of such a cult classic,” said Stafford-Townsend, whose studio and shop is on Upper Maudlin Street opposite the BRI, and away from their day job is a Green Party councillor.
“It’s the first time I’ve done something current, suitable for my 11-year-old to watch and that he’s heard of, so he’s a bit impressed too.
“It’s also wonderful to be involved with a show that has consistently proven itself to be inclusive and unafraid to promote a message of kindness and acceptance towards those a little different from ourselves.”
Stafford-Townsend handmade the pom-pom on top of Patrick Harris’ hat using five ostrich feathers.
The gold braid on the front was surplus from a previous job on The Crown that never made it to screen – often the way in this industry.
Stafford-Townsend added: “With screen work, you end up doing it so long before it hits the screen that I almost forget what it is that I made.
“It can be a year or two in the making. Even without NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) it’s industry standard that we don’t share what we’ve made before a show airs or opens.
“So everything is always a bit like rediscovering it. ‘Oh, that’s it! Phew, that works and looks okay!'”
Main photo: BBC
Read next:
- Tardis and goblins in Clifton for Doctor Who Christmas special
- Bristol milliner now making face masks instead of hats
- Ncuti Gatwa spotted filming Doctor Who in Bristol
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