Gunnersbury Park Museum

Celebrate sci-fi film and television from the 1960s through to today, turning the camera onto the west London artisans, artists and crafts people who brought it all to life.

Running until 2 June 2024, the Set to Stun exhibition at Gunnersbury Park Museum is an excellent way to get up close and personal with some iconic science-fiction props while also taking in the beautiful Grade II listed Georgian Mansion.

The displays are spread across the galleries on the house’s three floors, personal highlights being Marvin the Android from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (did you realise that his first unit was previously used in Alien?), an Imperial Dalek from Remembrance of the Daleks (filmed up the road in Hammersmith) and the Starbug model from Red Dwarf.

Have a good look at the Terry Molloy Davros mask and mould and be sure to pull out the hidden drawers that display an arsenal of futuristic weapons. And look just how detailed the eponymous alien invader is from The Tripods – precision model making at its best. It’s also fun to see how in two different eras of Doctor Who shop bought Daleks were customised (or just taken out of their boxes!) and used in the show.

Verdict: A fun, free diversion for an hour in a beautiful location, reminding us of the quality west London craftsmen that fuelled our dreams and nightmares. 8/10

Nick Joy