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By Amanda Chinneck on

The most extensive collection of James Bond material ever assembled

Our landmark exhibition in 2002 celebrated 40 years of the world’s best-known movie phenomenon—the James Bond films.

Although I wasn’t working at the museum at the time of our Bond, James Bond exhibition, I remember vividly coming to visit it. It is one of those experiences that stays with you.

Aston Martin DB5 from GoldenEye
Aston Martin DB5 from GoldenEye

My role at the museum involves producing exhibitions, and I find that I often refer to Bond, James Bond when planning exhibition design or when I am considering how to create a ‘wow’ factor in a gallery.

This landmark exhibition was created in 2002, when we were called the National Museum of Photography, Film & Television. It celebrated 40 years of the world’s best-known movie phenomenon—the James Bond films.

James Bond producer, Michael G. Wilson
James Bond producer, Michael G. Wilson

Created in partnership with EON Productions‚ the films’ producers, the exhibition went on to be shown at the Science Museum in London before travelling to the USA and Canada.

Caroline Munro, Bond Girl in The Spy Who Loved Me
Caroline Munro, Bond Girl in The Spy Who Loved Me

Bond‚ James Bond explored the Bond films through the most extensive collection of original 007 objects‚ images‚ concept drawings‚ storyboards and costume designs ever assembled.

From Rosa Klebb’s infamous flick-knife shoe through to plans for spectacular stunts and Oddjob’s killer bowler hat‚ the thrilling interactive exhibition gave visitors a behind-the-scenes tour of the creative talents and technical wizardry behind the one of the world’s most successful, long-lived and best-loved film franchises.

Bond, James Bond exhibition, 2002
Bond, James Bond exhibition, 2002

The exhibition showed how an extraordinary blend of science‚ art and action keeps Bond coming back. It was a real spectacle and an exhibition experience I’ll never forget.

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