54321 FAB! The Art of Supermarionation, a free exhibition of original puppets, art, memorabilia and models from the TV shows of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson is currently running at The Hub at St Mary’s, Lichfield, Staffordshire.
Organised by long-time Fanderson member Chris King, sponsored by Pegasus Lichfield Bonds, this extensive, free exhibition runs until 2nd November 2024. It features original puppets, TV Century 21 comic art, memorabilia and models from the TV shows of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson.
Sharing some of the highlights from one of the largest collections of Supermarionation puppets in the world, it includes original puppets from Captain Scarlet and Joe 90, painstakingly restored to their original condition, as filmed in the 1960s. Other characters which no longer exist as originals, such as the heroic pilot of Thunderbird 1 Scott Tracy, have been rebuilt from original moulds and materials to create new working replica puppets.
The exhibition also features models of iconic vehicles including Fireball XL5, Stingray and Thunderbird craft.
The Centre has also organised activities and competitions for all the family, including a comic book and toy library, where children can read and play with the toys and books so loved by their parents and grandparents. Prepare to step back in time!
Nestled between Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent and Nottingham in the Midlands, Lichfield is easy to get to via the M6 toll or M42 motorways, and The Hub at St Mary’s is a short, eight minute, walk from Lichfield City railway station.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see original comic and production design art on display, alongside a huge collection of 1960s toys and memorabilia.
The Andersons iconic TV shows brought childhood magic to millions over the last six decades and now, at The Hub, 54321 FAB is GO!
The Hub at St Mary’s is a colourful space in the heart of the Lichfield, located at St Mary’s on Market Square. They offer a creative community space for everyone to relax with a great cup of coffee and a delicious slice of cake supplied by a local cake maker. It’s also home to a beautiful gallery space, committed to showcasing works from artists of all backgrounds.
• 54321 FAB! The Art of Supermarionation The Hub, St. Mary’s Centre, Lichfield runs until 2nd November 2024
Opening Times: Tuesday – Friday – 9.30am – 4pm* | Saturday – 9.30am – 3pm* (Closed Mondays and Sundays) | Booking Not Required
Although the exhibition is free, The Hub at St Mary’s is a registered charity and not for profit coffee shop. Please donate if you can so that they can continue to be a place for the community where everyone can enjoy great exhibitions, art, performance and coffee. There will be a donation cash box at the exit of the exhibition or you can donate online here.
* Do note the Centre occasionally need to close the exhibition early in preparation for our evening events. They recommend checking before travelling.
The Centre also have a number of Relaxed Hours, open to Neurodivergent and learning disabled people, or anybody who would benefit from a more relaxed environment. Please see list of dates in the FAQs section of the exhibition information page
With thanks to Martin Cater and Ian Edginton for the heads up
.
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Art and Illustration, British Comics, Comic Art, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events, Exhibitions, Merchandise, Other Worlds, Science Fiction, Television