Dale Brotherton’s extensive Doctor Who collection has been sold at auction for a total of £49,000.
The former Workington Reds chairman was a lifelong fan of the TV series and amassed thousands of items connected to the show.
He died in 2024 and his collection, including a full-size Dalek, replica Bessie and rare vintage toys, went under the hammer at Anderson & Garland’s Newcastle saleroom today, Wednesday, June 10.
The BBC announced today that it was cancelling its Dr Who Christmas special, as it plans the next phase of the show. Showrunner Russell T Davies has also confirmed he will leave.
Dale’s collection – which was once put on display in an exhibition at Borough Park with Dr Who actor Colin Baker in attendance – covered the history of Doctor Who William Hartnell’s First Doctor through to Ncuti Gatwa’s 15th.
The auction included original and replica props, costumes, monsters, artwork, signed memorabilia, action figures, games and an extensive library of Doctor Who literature.
Interest was strong throughout the sale, with 140 of the 142 lots finding buyers.
The top-selling lot was a replica of the Doctor Who vehicle Bessie, which achieved £4,200.
Among the other notable results was a Warriors of the Deep costume from Series 21, comprising a tan Seabase crewmember jumpsuit bearing the name Joanna Garcia on the label, together with a fibreglass chest plate believed to date from the same production era. The costume sold for £2,210.
A futuristic Doctor Who prop handgun, featuring a pistol grip, black body and tapered muzzle, also sold for £2,210.
A full-size licensed Dalek model, produced by This Planet Earth Ltd from Remembrance of the Daleks, complete with a certificate of authenticity, signed checklist and fixing arrangements, realised £1,700.
Collectors also competed for vintage Doctor Who toys, with a 1965 Bells Toys Astro Ray Dalek Gun, complete with ray beam, three darts and its original pictorial box, which sold for £750.
Hamish Trower, auctioneer at Anderson & Garland, said: “This was a wonderful collection that clearly reflected a lifetime of enthusiasm for Doctor Who.
“The quality and breadth of the material attracted interest from collectors across the country, and it was fantastic to see so many lots finding new homes with fellow fans.
“The strong results are a testament both to the enduring popularity of the series and to the dedication of the collector who assembled such an impressive collection over many years.”
