Neil Cole's Adventures in Science Fiction: Museum of Sci-fi

Neil Cole's Adventures in Science Fiction: Museum of Sci-fi The UK's permanent science-fiction museum, detailing the history of the classic sci-fi genre and cla Neil Cole: Artist & Museum Creator/Curator
(206)

This page documents the creation of the Uk's permanent science-fiction museum in the north-east of England. The museum is situated in Allendale Town- an extremely picturesque village in the North Pennines. Visitors to the museum will be able to find lovely coffee shops and amenities on hand, as well as stunning walks. The idea for the museum stemmed from my lifelong fascination with science-fictio

n. It tells the story of a young boy who dreamt of travelling to other planets- but didn’t quite make it. Instead, he had a lot of fun watching, reading, collecting, drawing, making and dreaming. From a handful of action figures and comics and staying up very late to catch old B&W movies with his Dad, this interest never waned. The museum sets out to tell a brief history of science-fiction from H.G.Wells to the current day through my experience of the genre. It will of course be biased to those movies, comics and ideas that have most affected me personally. The story will be told with many original, screen-used props and costumes, production items, animation cels and published artwork. This journey highlights the landmark worlds of Wells, ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Star Wars’, whilst also exploring key genre themes, such as robotics and dystopia. I will also be producing original, unique artwork for the museum. Keep checking back to the page to follow the ever changing museum!

OK.....setting up the exhibition next week...gulp - here's a little taster of what's in the museum....just finished the ...
06/07/2025

OK.....setting up the exhibition next week...gulp - here's a little taster of what's in the museum....just finished the Exhibition Catalogue/programme for visitors - will be going to subscribers soon - here's the intro and contents! Really pleased with the publication....just got to get it printed now!!!! Also glad to have finished!!!! Phew!!! Doctor Doom's eyeballs tomorrow!!!!!

Another display finished today....one of Mike Tucker's glorious hand weapons from Dragonfire.... a few light repairs and...
05/07/2025

Another display finished today....one of Mike Tucker's glorious hand weapons from Dragonfire.... a few light repairs and quick base construct from odds and ends!! Soon to be on display at the Seek-Locate-Restore! Exhibition....now only 1 week and a bit till opening...no pressure!!! Late night working away.....

And on the kitchen table this evening....!!!! Non-stop exhibition prep fever now for next week!!!!!
04/07/2025

And on the kitchen table this evening....!!!! Non-stop exhibition prep fever now for next week!!!!!

Simply thrilled that my great friend and around genius - Bedwyr Gullidge will be a guest at Seek-Locate-Restore in addit...
01/07/2025

Simply thrilled that my great friend and around genius - Bedwyr Gullidge will be a guest at Seek-Locate-Restore in addition to adding several screen-used costumes to the exhibition for the length of its run! Beginning to set up the exhibtion next week - eeeek!!!! The Seek-Locate-Restore! Exhibition....now only 2 weeks till opening...no pressure!!! Late night working away.....

Thank you Visit Hexham !!!
01/07/2025

Thank you Visit Hexham !!!

Calling all sci-fi fans! 🚨 Don't miss the FREE 'Sci-fi Monsters: Seek, Locate, Restore!' exhibition at the Queen's Hall from July 14th to September 6th. Discover the fascinating story of Neil Cole's Adventures in Science Fiction: Museum of Sci-fi with exclusive exhibits and restoration videos.

Plus, join the monstrous fun day on July 20th with an amazing lineup of guests! Book your tickets now via the Queen's Hall 👍🏻

Well...just over seven days before I have to start installing the exhibition....done nearly all the work myself...and be...
01/07/2025

Well...just over seven days before I have to start installing the exhibition....done nearly all the work myself...and beginning to go and little nuts!!!! Anyway...Night all!!! The Seek-Locate-Restore! Exhibition....now only 2 weeks till opening...no pressure!!! Late night working away.....

Presently working on multiple heads in the yard for Seek-Locate-Restore!!!! The heat is getting to me!!!!
29/06/2025

Presently working on multiple heads in the yard for Seek-Locate-Restore!!!! The heat is getting to me!!!!

Another of the new exhibits for the museum's upcoming Seek-Locate-Restore! Exhibition....now only weeks away!!! Beautifu...
29/06/2025

Another of the new exhibits for the museum's upcoming Seek-Locate-Restore! Exhibition....now only weeks away!!! Beautiful helmet from Beacon 23! Late night working away.....

Angel progress! What a difference a coat of primer makes! My cracked stone sculpting on the neck looks ok....next job pa...
27/06/2025

Angel progress! What a difference a coat of primer makes! My cracked stone sculpting on the neck looks ok....next job painting is proper, begins! This charming lady will make her public debut at the Seek-Locate-Restore! Exhibition at Hexham's Queenshall next month....before forming part of the permanent displays in the museum! Right....to sleeeeep!!!

Good evening all....in between restoring multiple bits and bobs for the upcoming Seek! Locate! Restore! summer exhibitio...
26/06/2025

Good evening all....in between restoring multiple bits and bobs for the upcoming Seek! Locate! Restore! summer exhibition at Hexham's Queens Hall next month....I've also been writing and designing the rather nifty, strictly limited Exhibition catalogue/programme/souvenir book! If you are wondering why I've been quiet....I'm basically multi-tasking with some scary deadlines now overhanging....so please forgive me if I've missed a message....I will attend as soon as I can in between being quite manic with either clay, resin, paint or my laptop!!!! Anyway....here's the cover for the souvenir book which will be available to purchase on the event day...and will be - of course - free to subscribers in either printed or pdf formats depending on your subscription! Don't forget to grab your tickets for the special event day......tickets are now going fast! https://www.queenshall.co.uk/whats-on/sci-fi-monsters-live-seek-locate-restore

And next on board for the upcoming Seek-Locate-Restore! Exhibition on July 20th! Production made Angel components...work...
23/06/2025

And next on board for the upcoming Seek-Locate-Restore! Exhibition on July 20th! Production made Angel components...work commences now!!!

Good morning all! As I blearily awoke this morning....ready to begin work again on the upcoming summer extravaganza....I...
22/06/2025

Good morning all! As I blearily awoke this morning....ready to begin work again on the upcoming summer extravaganza....I had these fab photos sent to me by Andrew Eaves. They reminded me of just how fortunate I've been to be able to repair and restore such wonderful creations from Doctor Who - something I never imagined possible. It also reminded me that the museum really does present a fascinating collection, which I stopped noticing as I'd become so fixated on preparing new pieces for the Seek-Locate-Restore exhibition! So... if you want a healthy dose of classic Doctor Who and science-fiction....do drop into one of the largest collections of original screen-used and production made items on permanent display! The museum may be small, but it is truly packed, and a warm welcome awaits. And on that note....off to make a display stand!!!!

Address

Osborne House
Hexham
NE479BJ

Opening Hours

Monday 10:30am - 3pm
Wednesday 10:30am - 3pm
Friday 10:30am - 3pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10:30am - 4pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Neil Cole's Adventures in Science Fiction: Museum of Sci-fi posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Our Story

Please note: the museum will reopen on October 24th! This page is to document the creation of a new permanent science-fiction museum in the north-east of England. I hope to open in about a year, (although I suspect it will be about a year and a half, as I’m the creative designer, builder and everything else in between!). The museum will be situated in Allendale Town- an extremely picturesque village in the North Pennines. Visitors to the museum will be able to find lovely coffee shops and amenities on hand, as well as stunning walks. The idea for the museum stemmed from my lifelong fascination with science-fiction. It tells the story of a young boy who dreamt of travelling to other planets- but didn’t quite make it. Instead, he had a lot of fun watching, reading, collecting, drawing, making and dreaming. From a handful of action figures and comics and staying up very late to catch old B&W movies with his Dad, this interest never waned. The museum sets out to tell a brief history of science-fiction from H.G.Wells to the current day through my experience of the genre. It will of course be biased to those movies, comics and ideas that have most affected me personally. The story will be told with many original, screen-used props and costumes, production items, animation cels and published artwork. This journey highlights the landmark worlds of Wells, ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Star Wars’, whilst also exploring key genre themes, such as robotics and dystopia. I will also be producing original, unique artwork for the museum. Keep checking back to the page to see the museum (and its inhabitants!) begin to develop over the next year or so…the countdown has begun… Neil Cole: Artist & Curator- 2015