National Museums Liverpool has seen a surge in retail sales following the launch of the world premiere of the Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibition.
Revealing the science behind Doctor Who, the exhibition itself landed in Liverpool this May at the World Museum – creating huge demand for memorabilia from the hit TV show. A pop-up Doctor Who store at the city centre venue and online shop has sold more than 11,000 items since it launched – making history for National Museums Liverpool as its fastest selling retail range.
Memorabilia designed especially for the exhibition and classic gadgets are among the most in-demand items, including the infamous sonic screwdriver and an exclusive Gallifreyan alphabet artwork.
Karen O’Connor, National Museums Liverpool’s Director of Commercial Enterprises, said: “Bringing the world premiere of the Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibition to Liverpool has been an amazing experience and is proving very popular – attracting fans from around the UK, as well as international visitors to the city. We have created a special Doctor Who shop for the duration of the exhibition and hadn’t anticipated how much demand there would be for exclusive items, classic memorabilia and gadgets. Our retail team have been extremely busy over the summer – in our shop and with online sales – it’s made history as our fastest selling range.”
Five of the in-demand Doctor Who products:
Gallifreyan alphabet mounted print
For those fascinated by the Gallifreyan language spoken by the Time Lords, this specially created mounted print has been made exclusively for the Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibition. (£15 – and 15% off for National Museums Liverpool members).
Trading cards
The Battles in Time trading cards have been flying off the shelves, with many searching for rare cards or the super scarce golden ticket card (found in one of every 1000 packs). (£1.50 per pack – and 15% off for members).
Sonic screwdriver
Fans have been keen to own their very own Sonic Screwdriver. This one is a replica of the version used by the Thirteenth Doctor (played by Jodie Whittaker in the TV series) and has electronic sound and light effects. (£24 – and 15% off for NML members).
Sonic spork
Those who like to make teatime more adventurous love this sonic spork! This has a sonic screwdriver design handle and can be used for meal and deserts with its dual action spoon/fork utensil. (£10 – and 15% off for members).
Tardis T-shirt
A collection of exclusive T-shirts and hoodies have been designed for the exhibition. This navy T-shirt for adults, with exclusive Tardis design printed on the front has been one of the favourites and is a great gift for Doctor Who fans. (£20 – and 15% off for members).
Helen Dickey, from the retail team at National Museums Liverpool, added: “Bringing with it nearly 60 years of TV history, Doctor Who spans generations – and it’s been hard to keep up with demand from both kids and adults for many of our products.”
As well as hosting the world premiere of the Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibition, National Museums Liverpool’s venues have also starred as the backdrop for Doctor Who series 13, following filming at the Museum of Liverpool with cast members John Bishop and Nadia Albina last year.
National Museums Liverpool looks after some of the most visited museums in England outside of London. It relies on funding, as well as membership, donations and income from retail, venue hire, events and filming, to keep its attractions and the work it does in the community running.
Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder runs until 30 October at the World Museum. More information on available at liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/doctorwho
Visit the online shop here (for some of the available Doctor Who items).
