London’s Museum of Brands, in partnership with Anderson Entertainment, is to host Thunderbirds and Space: 1999 – A Celebration of Sci-fi Toys and Collectables.
The exhibition, which opens 13th September and runs until February 2026, will celebrate the landmark anniversaries of Gerry Anderson’s groundbreaking series Thunderbirds (first broadcast in 1965) and Space: 1999 (first premiered in 1975).
Online “sneak peeks” of the exhibition suggest a huge collection of items will be on display from several Anderson shows. Some of the pieces, including art by Graham Bleathman, are on loan from private collections, are rarely seen by the public.
The captivating displays will pay tribute to Anderson’s lasting legacy through an exceptional array of toys, games, and memorabilia that have inspired generations of fans.
Opening on 13th September 2025, known as Breakaway Day for Space: 1999 enthusiasts, the exhibition offers a nostalgic journey into Anderson’s imaginative worlds.
Co-curated by internationally renowned graphic designer and Thunderbirds superfan Malcolm Garrett MBE, the exhibition features over 300 meticulously curated objects from the Robert Opie collection alongside private collectors items. Many of these cherished pieces will be displayed for the very first time, showcasing treasures from Anderson’s most iconic shows including Thunderbirds, Stingray, Captain Scarlet, Supercar, Fireball XL5, UFO, and Space: 1999.
In addition to sci-fi enthusiasts, the exhibition offers particular appeal to fans of pop culture and design, highlighting the mid-century aesthetics, bold visual storytelling, and innovative model-making that defined Anderson’s work. With its colourful, imaginative displays and family-friendly format, it also provides an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Don’t miss the unique opportunity to relive the sci-fi stories that shaped a generation, through the memorabilia that kept the magic alive.
If you’re in London and a fan of the Andersons work, this look like it is definitely going to be worth a visit!
You can book an exclusive limited ticket to be among the first to explore the new exhibition on 13th September here, plus meet Jamie Anderson, the team from Anderson Entertainment, the Museum of Brands Curator and prominent collectors.
The Museum of Brands collection takes visitors on a nostalgic journey through 200 years of social change, culture and lifestyle. It offers an exciting new way of looking at history through the things that generations of families have thrown away. It’s a journey back through the memories of your childhood, all brought back to life again by their Time Tunnel – a fascinating insight into how we have lived since Victorian times.
• Thunderbirds and Space: 1999 – A Celebration of Sci-fi Toys and Collectables exhibition, The Museum of Brands, 111 – 117 Lancaster Road, Notting Hill, London W11 1QT | Opens 13th September 2025 and runs until 28th February 2026 | Book online via the Museum of Brands website here
The Museum recommends booking in advance to avoid disappointment as they anticipate high demand for this special exhibition. Due to this, ticket releases may be staggered. If your preferred date is unavailable, they encourage you to join the waitlist to receive a 24-hour advance notification when additional tickets are released.
You can also book for Sensory-Friendly Afternoons, 3.00pm – 5.00pm every Sunday from 21st September. Click here to find out more.
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John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as 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.
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