The British science-fiction television series “Dr. Who” has always had its followers. Born in 1963, the extraterrestrial Doctor had been traveling through time in his iconic spaceship, called a TARDIS, that masquerades as British police box.
Meekins staff member Collee is a relatively new but dedicated follower. They are building a “Dr. Who” figurine collection—starting from the first series.
Collee writes: “This is a collection of figurines from the British sci-fi television series “Doctor Who”. William Hartnell was the first actor to be cast as the series’ main character, a time traveling alien known as the Doctor, back in 1963. In order to continue the series after Hartnell’s departure from the show, the writers wrote in a “regeneration”—where one incarnation of the Doctor dies and transforms into the next incarnation—with a new face, personality, and lead actor in the role. The most recent incarnation of the Doctor, known as the 15th Doctor, was played by actor Ncuti Gatwa from 2023-2025. This set contains figurines of the 1st-11th Doctors and some of their human friends, known as companions. My partner Sara purchased this set back in 2011, when Matt Smith was the starring actor in the role. One day I hope to add figurines of the 12th-15th Doctors to complete the set.
Sara introduced me to “Doctor Who” during the pandemic lockdown of 2020, a year where our world stood very still. I instantly fell in love with the show and its ability to transport viewers like myself to different planets and eras at a time when the ability to travel in our world was very limited. Since then, I have watched every series of the “new Doctor Who”, from when the show was recommissioned in 2005 to its most recent season in 2025. I have yet to complete watching through the “classic” era of the tv show from 1963 to 1989.”
Come to Meekins and see Collee’s collection, in the Library’s Cabinet of Curiosities” through the end of September. Then, take out one or more seasons of the series and indulge in some otherworldly escapes and join the dedicated band of “Dr. Who” aficionados. Daria D’Arienzo, Meekins Archivist. #throwbackthursday #tbt.
Posted to Facebook 9/25/2025
