Three heartfelt exhibits at the Who Shop Museum every Doctor Who fan should see

With Doctor Who celebrating its anniversary last week, why not head to West Ham and explore three heartfelt exhibits at the Who Shop Museum, where fans can step inside the TARDIS and relive the magic of the sci-fi series.

For 40 years, the Who Shop has been welcoming Whovians from all over the world, and following the show’s 61^st anniversary, it’s the perfect time to visit.

If you can overcome the perception filter, then upon entry a TARDIS will appear in the corner. With the turn of a key and not a click of the fingers, the doors open to reveal a mini Black Archive hidden at the back of the shop, which contains over 120 different props, costumes, and artefacts from the hit sci-fi series.

Here’s the three most heartfelt exhibits.

3. John Nathan-Turner’s Hawaiian shirt

Doctor Who 1980s Producer John Nathan-Turner’s Hawaiian shirt sandwiched between two William Hartnell costumes. Photograph: Joe Turner

Admittedly, a tacky, flowery blue 1980s Hawaiian shirt is not the most thrilling start; however, for Whovians, it of course belongs to none other than the ninth and final producer of Doctor Who’s original run, John Nathan-Turner.

With an autograph and a smiling picture inside the collar, it shows a complicated man who wore his emotions on his Hawaiian shirt sleeves.

Unapologetically outgoing, the producer’s flamboyance and warm charisma shine through in a fitting tribute to the most resilient of creatives who had a genuine passion for “his show”, when he didn’t owe the sci-fi series anything given BBC Controller Michael Grade’s horrific working conditions.

It’s a painful reminder that a man with a sheer love for life was cruelly taken at the tender age of 54 before he could witness the fruits of his labour, the 2005 revival.

2. Bernard Cribbins’ Hat

Glass cabinet complete with Wilfred Mott’s red woolly hat and Bernard Cribbins’ Giggle script and cast and crew hoodie. Photograph: Joe Turner

The red woolly hat, complete with the paratrooper pin, was one of Wilfred Mott’s signature pieces of costume. From battling Daleks with a paintball gun to lasering UNIT missiles out of the sky, the old soldier always had it on.

Whoever thought a grandad who wanted to be an astronaut would command such a special place in Whovian hearts? Well, it is thanks to the sense of comfort that veteran actor the late Bernard Cribbins injected into the character.

Doctor Who would be the final show Cribbins filmed, and on his request, the Who Shop was gifted the hat in return for a small donation to a charity he supported, the White Lodge.

A classy gentleman until the end, embrace his warmth and sincerity once more. It is worthy of a tearful salute, End of Time fashion.

1. Sarah Jane’s Costumes

Sarah Jane Smith’s Invasion of the Bane and Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith costumes displayed in the Who Shop. Photograph: Joe Turner

It’s only right to conclude our whistle-stop tour through space and time with the ultimate Doctor Who girl, certainly the most beloved, Sarah Jane Smith herself, Elisabeth Sladen.

Forty years after travelling with Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor, she had a fairytale resurgence in her own smash hit, The Sarah Jane Adventures, and Lis’ is another legacy that lives on in the Who Shop.

Exhibiting her costume from the pilot, Invasion of the Bane, and the wedding dress from the episode where Whovians finally got the Doctor in one of his spin-offs, The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith, her effervescence and magic that captured the imagination of millions of children growing up is poignant, and there is an overwhelming nostalgic tinge.

The costumes also highlight a tragic duality. On the left is a life Sarah Jane has always known, battling aliens and saving the world, whereas on the right is a glimpse into a normal life with the charming but Trickster controlled Peter Dalton, played by Nigel Havers.