One of the most unusual objects coming through Hansons this month is a working Dalek and, fittingly with Halloween approaching, it is rather hard to ignore.
The large-scale, motorised Dalek, controlled by joystick and signed by members of the Doctor Who cast, belonged to the late Tim Pollard, better known as Nottingham’s real-life Robin Hood. Tim brought the legendary character to life at events across Nottinghamshire and the Midlands for many years, alongside his wife Sally, who played Maid Marian.
The Dalek is due to be offered at Hansons on 22nd October, but it is just a glimpse of a much larger collection that we look forward to sharing more details about in due course.
Tim’s collection spans science fiction, film and popular culture, including Gerry Anderson, Space: 1999, Star Wars and Star Trek memorabilia. Highlights include a 44-inch studio-scale Eagle Transporter from Space: 1999, one of a limited edition of 200.
The collection is now in secure storage while arrangements for future sales are finalised. There is plenty more to come, and I suspect enthusiasts will be particularly excited when they discover what else has been tucked away.
As Steve Plummer, who is representing the estate, told us: “Their house was full floor to ceiling with his collection. I remember he got the Dalek, which is signed by members of the cast, from a seller on eBay.”
The Dalek bears signatures from Nicholas Briggs, the voice of the Daleks, Terry Molloy, who played Davros, as well as Barnaby Edwards, Jon Davey and Dan Starkey. For Doctor Who fans, those signatures add another dimension to an already eye-catching piece.
It is exactly the sort of object that makes auctions fascinating because there is far more to it than its appearance. It has personality, provenance and a connection to a television institution that has entertained generations. A working Dalek is certainly not something you come across every day!
Tim’s collecting interests were shaped by a fascinating career. He worked for Games Workshop in Nottingham during the 1980s and had been involved in the gaming industry since 1978, taking on roles including writer, editor, artist and art manager. He also studied 19th-century South African history at SOAS in London.
From gaming and history to science fiction and cult television, his possessions tell the story of someone who followed his passions and enjoyed discovering objects that captured his imagination.
For me, that is what makes collecting so rewarding. Behind almost every interesting object there is a person, a passion or a story. An item might look unusual to one person, but to another it could represent a favourite childhood programme, a treasured memory or an important moment in popular culture.
Auctions give objects the chance to find somebody else who will appreciate them, while allowing us to discover the people who collected them and why they were so special.
I genuinely believe we are seeing a renaissance in collecting. There has been a wonderful resurgence of interest in antiques, vintage pieces and collectables, particularly among younger buyers. People are looking for objects with heritage, craftsmanship and provenance — things that are individual and have a story behind them, rather than mass-produced items.
There is also a growing appreciation of sustainability. Buying something pre-owned and giving it another life makes enormous sense, whether it is antique furniture, a vintage watch or a collectable from a much-loved television series.
Modern auctions have transformed the market, too. An object that once might have attracted interest only locally can now be seen and bid on by collectors around the world. Online bidding has opened up opportunities enormously, particularly for specialist areas such as toys, science fiction and popular culture.
Tim’s collection is a wonderful example of that international appeal. His Dalek may have come from a Nottingham home, but its next owner could be anywhere. Somewhere, a collector will see not simply a motorised Dalek, but a piece of Doctor Who history connected to a much-loved collection.
When the wider collection comes to auction, there will be plenty more for enthusiasts to get excited about, from Gerry Anderson memorabilia to Star Wars and Star Trek. These are pieces that inspire tremendous affection because their stories have become part of our own.
That is the joy of auctions. We don’t simply sell the past. We help pass it on.
For now, all eyes are on the Dalek. Its next mission may be less about invading Earth and more about finding a new home. Although, with Halloween around the corner, I wouldn’t rule out a little “Exterminate!” from the saleroom.
Auction Details
Auction: Derbyshire October Three-Day Antiques & Collectors Auction: Including Silver, Jewellery & Watches
Auction date: 15th – 19th October 2026
Location: Hansons Derbyshire Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
