The Mothership TARDIS Cabinet Maker of Eugene, Oregon

Gary Dorr

Sitting as I do, in my large bedroom/office, I glance at the heavily stacked bookcase and think – ‘What I really need, is a Tardis.’ 

Now, a few years back, I had just that, but it was a canvas model, and yes, as much as it hid much of my room inside it, it did stick out like a sore thumb. No, what I quite fashion is something made lovingly out of wood. A cabinet; but not just any cabinet. I want a TARDIS cabinet.

Just a week ago, I got chatting to a man from Oregon, who makes just that – Tardis cabinets, and even more things Tardis-y.

He has his own Etsy page which is stocked full of Tardis creations, and it’s from this, that I wanted to know more. I mean, the finish on these models is smooth, and you can’t detect a flaw in them at all. This man knows his wood.

This man is Gary Dorr.

Gary Dorr has loved Doctor Who since 1975, and idolised Tom Baker. He’s been a hobbyist cabinet maker and carpenter since the 1980’s but it wasn’t until the new series of Doctor Who began back in 2005, that reignited Gary’s passion for all things Who, and he built his first TARDIS.

   ‘The simple beauty of the Police Box, and of course, the colour, made it a natural to build.’

I was curious though that building and selling an item that was a BBC Prop, would require some form of permission from the BBC but Gary informed me that his cabinets and boxes were inspired by the Doctor’s Police Public Call Box and are marketed as such. And if you think about it, there are still Police Public Call Boxes in existence, especially in Glasgow city centre, so I guess, that would be the easiest way of selling your product – fashion it on the Call Box instead.

Gary knows his craft though, and his cabinets are a testament to that fact. He has 15 different items inspired by the TARDIS in his Etsy shop and he is always thinking up new designs.

   ‘I’m currently building a vinyl record storage cabinet for a client as a custom order.’

Gary specialises in designing Police Public Call Boxes in various forms from dart boards, to pint pullers, to jewellery boxes and much, much more, which you can find on his website www.TARDIScabinets.com

There is a link to his Etsy Page from his website, which has seen 212 sales so far. So, if you fancy adorning your house, flat, bedsit or ranch or even public house with a collection of Police Public Call Boxes, then why not give Gary a follow on Twitter, or visit his website or Etsy shop, and make a purchase.