Beyond the Stars: a propmaker’s guide to the galaxy
Discover Bucks Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP
24 May to 5 October 2025
Discover the art of Sci-Fi special effects with original models and props used in classic British TV shows including Doctor Who, Red Dwarf and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Science fiction programmes have captivated viewers on TV screens across the country for generations. Featuring spaceships, aliens, robots and all manner of intergalactic creatures, they have fed our imaginations and transported us to distant worlds.
Now on 24 May 2025, Discover Bucks Museum in Aylesbury is excited to launch a major new exhibition Beyond the Stars: a propmaker’s guide to the galaxy which showcases original models and props used in the making of the most iconic science fiction shows to appear on British TV, including Doctor Who, Red Dwarf and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Visitors can journey through the realms of time and space and get up-close to these unique props and models that helped bring these beloved series to life.
Highlights of the exhibition include:
- Imperial and Supreme Daleks from Doctor Who
- Marvin the Paranoid Android from the original 1981 BBC production of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
- Starbug model spacecraft used in series 3 to 7 of the cult classic Red Dwarf
Also, featured are designs and behind-the-scenes materials that give an insight into the craftsmanship and imagination of the special effects artists who transport us to these alien worlds. We are delighted to be working with the award-winning Visual Effects Designer Mike Tucker on this exhibition. Mike began his career as a member of the BBC’s in-house Visual Effects Department where he was one of the principal effects crew for Red Dwarf, series 1 – 7 and worked as an effects assistant on the final four series of the original run of Doctor Who and as the miniature effects supervisor for the series when it returned in 2005. Following the closure of the VFX Department, he set up his own company, The Model Unit, at Ealing Studios and has continued his association with Dr Who, Red Dwarf and many other projects. The majority of the exhibits on display in the exhibition were designed and built by the staff of the BBC VFX Department based in West London.
Most excitingly for visitors they will see the actual props and models that appeared in their favourite programmes and some have never been on public display before!
With captivating exhibits and fun activities, this is a must-see for everyone to enjoy from families to long-time fans of the shows.
The exhibition runs from 24 May to 5 October 2025.
Associated events
Sci-Fi Quiz Night
Saturday 14 June, 7pm
Grab your friends and come and test your sci-fi film and television knowledge in our quiz covering…. famous shows such as Star Trek, Doctor Who and Red Dwarf plus movies, kids sci-fi and fantasy shows.
For more information, click here.
