Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery is currently hosting “Adventures in Time & Space – an unofficial Doctor Who exhibition” and “Jeff Cummins – Right Between the Eyes”. Artist Charles Waples focuses on the latter in his report, which he has kindly granted us permission to feature on downthetubes…
Plus – details of associated events, including a Doctor Who writing workshop with Big Finish writer James McDermott, and How to Draw a Dalek sessions for children, with Lee Sullivan!
I took a pilgrimage to historic Peterborough, but skipped the great Cathedral, heading instead to the city’s Museum and Art Gallery, which currently houses two marvellous exhibitions. “Adventures in Time & Space” focuses predominantly on the golden age of Doctor Who and the other, “Jeff Cummins – Right Between the Eyes”, is a much deserved retrospective of the lifetime’s work of this celebrated and completely essential British illustrator – a hero to rock and roll, Doctor Who, science fiction and popular emphemera lovers everywhere.
As an 11-year-old, the first sight of Jeff’s cover for the Doctor Who Target novel, The Face of Evil , spoke to me across the vast open plains of WHSmith at Northampton Derngate like a beacon of hope! Easily still one of my favourite illustrations, it was great to finally get a signed print of that cover by this most brilliant, stunningly talented and warmest of Welshmen last Christmas; and to discover more of Jeff’s incredible output at this compelling and incredibly nostalgic exhibition was just perfect.
Charting extroadinary collaborations since the 1970s, Jeff’s amazing design and colour techniques are given full celebration and deservedly so. He is easliy one of the very finest British illustrators.
If you can go, do.
As the exhibition details note, Jeff Cummins kicked off his career as an artist illustrating Bruce Lee posters covers for Kung Fu Monthly, and Bionic Man, and Tom Baker as Doctor Who, for TV SCI FI magazine, (Felix Dennis Publishing). He went on to illustrate classic covers for the Doctor Who Target range and later, Doctor Who New Adventures for Virgin.
Having recently returned to his childhood home, he also discovered a painting he created of a Dalek when just ten years old, beneath the wallpaper of his bedroom…prophetic perhaps?
Jeff also painted several covers and inserts for Radio Times magazine and book jackets for Penguin, Harper Collins and Simon & Schuster.
Well known in the music world for his poster and record cover designs for Paul McCartney, (Wings Over America, Thrillington, Temporary Secretary, Say Say Say and This One), and working with Whitesnake, Yes, Silver Sun and with the prolific album cover design gurus Hipgnosis.
Recent projects include the books The Invisible Artist, The Art of Silver Sun, and the newly released Outside the Box, a new version of The Invisible Artist focused entirely on Jeff’s Doctor Who work, with additional art and information; a project with Doctor Who Magazine; plus a Keith Barnfather ‘Myth Maker’ documentary production for Reeltime Pictures.
• Jeff Cummins – Right Between the Eyes until 21st September 2025 at Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery, Priestgate, Peterborough PE1 1LF | Details here
• Jeff Cummins – Official Website
• Outside the Box: The Complete Doctor Who Art of Jeff Cummins, is available to order directly from publisher Candy Jar Books |Amazon UK Affiliate Link
“Adventures in Time & Space – an unofficial Doctor Who exhibition” runs until 2nd November 2025 at Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery, Priestgate, Peterborough PE1 1LF | Details and book here
Entrance to Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery is free. Tickets to Adventures in Time & Space are chargeable
Step into a transcendent experience at our thrilling 2025 exhibition, Adventures in Time & Space. From Daleks to Weeping Angels, explore a world of monsters, props, and memorabilia in one of the most extensive displays of artefacts in over a decade. See one of the largest displays of restored and surviving props, costumes, spaceship models, masks and weapons.
Associated Events
Doctor Who Fan Fiction Writing Workshop | 1.00 – 3.00pm 13th July 2025, Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery | Book Tickets
In this interactive inclusive workshop for writers of all abilities, through a series of writing exercises and group discussions, you will learn tools and techniques to help you plan and write your own Doctor Who fan-fiction story inspired by historic and scientific works in the Peterborough Museum collection.
The workshop will be led by local writer James McDermott, one of the writers on EastEnders, who recently started writing for Big Finish Productions. James is also a lecturer in creative writing at the University of East Anglia.
James’s plays published by Samuel French include Jab, Time & Tide and Rubber Ring. James’s poetry collections published by Nine Arches Press include Father Myself and Wild Life.
Timey-Wimey Summer Trail | 19th July 2025 – 31st August 2025 | Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery | Family Activities | £1.50 per child – No booking required, just drop in!
Follow the Doctor through time, space and around Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery this summer with our family trail. Can you find all the K9s hiding in the galleries, hunt out all the items on the Doctor Who themed scavenger hunt, and help the TARDIS escape the time maze?
Make a Monster Day: Arts Award! 9.30am – 3pm (can be completed before 3pm) | 12th August 2025 – 13th August 2025 | Family Activities | Further Details & Book Tickets Here
Inspired by the weird and wonderful world of Doctor Who?
Create your own sci-fi monster and earn a nationally recognised certificate. Includes exhibition entry & all materials.
Step into the world of sci-fi creativity in this full-day workshop where you’ll design and build your own monster model – drawing inspiration from real costumes and props featured in the Adventures in Time & Space exhibition.
How to Draw a Dalek with Lee Sullivan | Sessions: 9.30am – 11.00am, 11.30am – 1.00pm, 2.00pm – 3.30pm | 17th August 2025 | Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery | £10 per child| Book Tickets Here
Ever wanted to draw a Dalek like a pro? Now’s your chance!
Join renowned comic book illustrator Lee Sullivan for a special Doctor Who-themed drawing workshop. With over 35 years of experience illustrating Doctor Who comics, Lee will share insider tips and techniques as he guides you step-by-step through creating your very own Dalek masterpiece.
You’ll also get a chance to see some of Lee’s original artwork up close for inspiration!
Recommended for ages 7+ | All children must be accompanied by an adult.,Accompanying adults do not need a ticket. Spaces are limited – book early and get ready to exterminate the blank page!
Doctor Who Themed Printing Workshops | Sessions at 10am–11:30am & 2pm–3:30pm | 19th August 2025 – 20th August 2025 | Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery | Family Activities | Tickets £5 | Book Here
Unleash your inner Time Lord and get creative! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll design your own Doctor Who-themed sci-fi artwork, using iconic imagery as inspiration. Then bring your designs to life through ink printing techniques.
Whether you’re a budding artist or a die-hard fan, this is a fun and imaginative way to explore the Whoniverse!
Important Information: Suitable for children and families | All children must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults are welcome to take part but will need to purchase a ticket | Spaces are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment!
• Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery, Priestgate, Peterborough PE1 1LF
With Thanks To…
Charles Waples started as an actor and TV, Film and Radio scriptwriter, for the BBC, Granada, Sky, Radio Four and Channel 4. He’s written scripts for shows starring Paul O’Grady, John Thomson, Arnold Brown, Caroline Aherne and Johnny Vaughan. Published illustration work includes a graphic novel of Ian Fleming’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, published in 007 Magazine, and regular illustration work for Manchester’s City Life Magazine.
Check out more of Charles’ work on Facebook (Charles Waples), Instagram (@Scribeslikeus) and X formally Twitter (@scribeslike) where more details about his Who art can be found.
• On Facebook? Join the Doctor Who Comics and Art: A Voyage group
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Categories: Art and Illustration, Books, Doctor Who, downthetubes News, Events, Exhibitions, Other Worlds, Science Fiction, Television
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