54321 FAB! The Art of Supermarionation
54321 FAB! The Art of Supermarionation is a FREE exhibition of original puppets, art, memorabilia and models from the TV shows of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson.
Open Tuesday – Saturday
23rd July – 2nd November
Sharing some of the highlights from one of the largest collections of Supermarionation puppets in the world, 54321 FAB! features many original puppets including Captain Scarlet and Joe 90, having been 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 the Thunderbird craft.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see original comic and production design art on display, alongside a huge collection of 1960s toys and memorabilia.
There are 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!
These iconic TV shows have brought childhood magic to millions over the last six decades and now, at The Hub, 54321 FAB is GO!!
Opening Times:
Tuesday – Friday – 9.30am – 4pm*
Saturday – 9.30am – 3pm*
(Closed Mondays and Sundays)
*We occasionally need to close the exhibition early in preparation for our evening events. All of these times are listed in the FAQs section below. We recommend checking before travelling.
We 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 below in the FAQs section.
Booking Not Required.
This event is sponsored by Pegasus Lichfield Bonds
Frequently Asked Questions:
No, booking is not required for this free exhibition. At busier times we may restrict the number of people entering the exhibition and may therefore ask you to wait to enter or return later in the day.
You may take as long as you wish to look around the exhibition.
Entrance to the exhibition is one-way, however once inside it is free-flow, and therefore if you wish to look around quickly, or take your time, both are possible.
We recommend you allow at least 15-30 minutes to be able to look at all of the exhibits.
The exhibition is accessible to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. The Hub is located on the 1st floor, there is a lift up to this floor and the entrance to / journey around the exhibition does not include any steps.
We have a ‘Relaxed Hour’ on certain dates (listed below). This is suitable for Neurodivergent and learning disabled visitors, or anybody who would benefit from a relaxed environment (a list of the things we’ll be putting in place for Relaxed Hour can be found below in ‘What is Relaxed Hour?’).
Relaxed Hours:
Tuesday 30th July – 4pm – 5pm
Saturday 3rd Aug – 3pm – 4pm
Thursday 15th Aug – 3pm – 4pm
More dates (in September and October) to be announced.
A list of the things we’ll be putting in place for Relaxed Hour is below.
For more information about accessing The Hub, please click here.
If you’re worried, anxious or have additional needs that can be alleviated by speaking to our team, please call us on 01543 256611 or email hello@thehubstmarys.co.uk.
The Relaxed Hour is open to Neurodivergent and Learning Disabled people, or anybody who would benefit from a more relaxed environment.
During the Relaxed Hour we’ll be doing the following:
- Limiting Noise
- Removing abnormal lighting
- There will be additional signage to the exhibition and facilities.
- There will be a designated ‘Quiet Zone’ in the coffee shop, with available ear defenders, fidgets and bean bags.
- Our staff are trained in Autism and Learning Disability awareness and will be there to assist if you need them.
Yes! Even though your kids may not have seen the TV shows, we’re sure they will still love looking at all of the toys and memorabilia with their grown-ups. There will also be 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
Please note that due to the valuable nature of the exhibition, we request that children are supervised at all times.
Assistance dogs are welcome in the Coffee Shop and exhibition at all times.
Other well behaved dogs are welcome any time to The Hub coffee shop. They may also be admitted into the exhibition if it is quiet and they do not cause distress to other visitors. Due to the valuable nature of the exhibition, we request that they are carried past any free standing items.
Yes! The Coffee Shop will be open when the exhibition is open.
Yes please!
The Hub at St Mary’s is a registered charity and not for profit coffee shop: Please donate if you can so that we 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 click the ‘Donate’ button at the top of this webpage.
The exhibition is closed every Monday and Sunday.
It will also be closed or closing early on the following days:
- Tuesday 3rd September – closing at 1pm
- Thursday 12th September – closing at 3pm
- Wednesday 25th September – closing at 12.30pm
- Thursday 26th September – closing at 2.30pm
- Tuesday 1st October – closing at 1pm
- Wednesday 2nd October – open until 4pm, however coffee shop closed from 2pm
- Thursday 3rd October – closing at 3.30pm
- Friday 4th October – closing at 3.30pm
- Saturday 5th October – closing at 2pm
