Original props, models and puppets from Gerry Anderson’s classic productions have proved scarce. Despite many items being recycled from series to series and eventually destroyed when Century 21 Productions closed down in the early 1970s, some original artefacts have managed to survive in private collections. One such item is the original Supermarionation puppet head of Slim, one of Thunderbirds‘ many ‘guest’ puppets who was redressed into different characters for various episodes.
Fully restored with a replica body and costume, Slim has spent many years in the care of property expert, television presenter, and Gerry Anderson fan Martin Roberts, who is now selling the puppet on via an online auction on Propstore. We caught up with Martin to learn more about how he acquired Slim and his love of all things Gerry Anderson!
How long have you been a fan of Gerry Anderson’s worlds?
Martin Roberts: Like many kids born in the 1960’s, I grew up with the wonderful world of Supermarionation. I was in love with Marina from Stingray and had endless nightmares about the enormous alligators in that Thunderbirds episode when some growth concoction is flushed down a scientist’s sink. I loved Joe 90 and Captain Scarlet, but it was always Thunderbirds that was my favourite. Everything about it was a young boys dream – from living on a secret island in the Pacific and flying rockets for a job, to designing or operating the most fantastical machinery that you could never make out of Meccano, Sticklebrix or Lego.
What was your earliest experience with a Gerry Anderson series?
Martin Roberts: I seem to remember watching Stingray on a black and white TV at my grannie’s house. Even maybe Fireball XL5. What was the one where the whole control centre disappeared underground? And I remember a unfeasibly large plane or rocket take off sequence that seemed to go on for ever and ever.
That does rather sound like Marineville’s thrilling Battle Stations sequence from Stingray! Do you have any favourite series, episodes, vehicles, or characters from across Gerry’s creations?
Martin Roberts: I was lucky enough to take part in Celebrity Mastermind a few years ago and I chose Thunderbirds as my specialist subject. As part of my research, I had to re-watch every single episode from the original series. I was amazed at how the production values, the storylines and the characters stood up to my middle aged scrutiny and a world of CGI and high end animation. So often, TV shows from childhood disappoint when you view them again, but that’s absolutely not the case with Thunderbirds. In terms of characters or equipment, who couldn’t have Lady Penelope and Parker high up on their list of favourites?
FAB1 was the car any young boy would dream of. All the Thunderbirds rockets were great, but obviously Thunderbird 2, with its interchangeable pods containing a wild and varied selection of speciality equipment, has to be a favourite. But it was other subtle things that stick in the memory too – like the portraits of the International Rescue Team members on the walls whose eyes flashed to indicate an incoming call, and the Heath Robinson sliding track that took the pilots from the control centre down into the body of Tracy Island and plonked them into the seats of their respective Thunderbirds.
You’re selling your original Thunderbirds puppet – how did you acquire an original artefact from the classic series?
Martin Roberts: Around 15 years ago I met someone through Homes Under the Hammer who owned Slim – the puppet that I’m now selling at auction. The story of all the original artefacts from the creation of the shows is pretty heart-breaking, because as I’m sure you know the majority of the sets and characters ended up in the skip outside the studios in North London. I understand that my puppet’s head was rescued from such a skip by the photographer who did the stills to accompany the original series (Doug Luke). That head was then sold subsequently at auction and restored and fitted to a beautifully tailored replica of the outfit that he wore in his most significant role as Slim, an actor playing a police officer who’s saved from drowning in a cave by International Rescue in Martian Invasion. It had previously been used as an audience member on the Ned Cook Show from Terror in New York City.
Luckily, his hands were also rescued from the skip so he’s more complete than some of the very few original puppets that are still in existence. I understand that there are some very clever fakes out there, but when you look into Slim’s eyes and at the patina of his skin (plus you can take off the back of his head to reveal the mechanics of the moving lips and eyes), there’s absolutely no doubt that you are looking at the work of one of the geniuses that made the original puppets.
Why might you be letting it go now?
Martin Roberts: I’ve been lucky enough to be a custodian of this piece of television history for around 15 years. He’s looked down at me from his place of honour in my office and made me smile and feel nostalgic over that time. But I just feel that I’ve had my fair share now and want somebody else to be the next curator of him and have some of the same enjoyment I’ve had.
It’s always great to see original props and puppets reappear after all these years – what do you think it is about Gerry’s creations that make them so everlasting in their popularity?
Martin Roberts: Everything about Gerry’s productions exuded attention to detail. The fact that these were real models and puppets which were operated, walked, driven and exploded, gives the series and the stories a longevity and charm that has stood the test of time. I mentioned that I had to re-watch all the episodes for my stint on Celebrity Mastermind, and I got just as much enjoyment 50 years on as I did when I first watched them. By the way, I won!
Many thanks to Martin Roberts for giving us his time! Slim’s auction can be found via Propstore. Bidding for the puppet character will end on Thursday, November 14th, so be sure to get your bids in if you’re interested in owning a unique piece of Thunderbirds history!
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