Can you feel the force?
The latest exhibition at Peterborough Cathedral this summer is out of this world!
Following previous ‘blockbuster’ exhibitions which have included Tim Peake’s spacecraft, Luke Jerram’s artwork Gaia, and last year’s roarsome dinosaur display, T.rex: The Killer Question, this year’s special event takes us to a galaxy far, far away.
If you’re a Star Wars fan there’s nowhere else to be than planet Peterborough from now until August 29, as Unofficial Galaxies, one of the largest Star Wars fan private collections in the world is now on show at Peterborough Cathedral.
A host of Star Wars characters, recreated by members of The East Midlands Garrison cosplay group helped launch the new exhibition in style, attracting plenty of attention around the city centre. Well, it's not often you see a Wookiee wandering past Starbucks in Cathedral Square!
Photos: Chris Brudenell Photography for ESP Magazine
There are over 120 pieces in this incredible collection with some of the most exciting being a full-size Landspeeder purchased from London’s Elstree Studios, and the desk and chair of young Anakin Skywalker from the 1999 film The Phantom Menace.
Also on display are an array of original production items, and costumes for characters such as Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Darth Vader and many more. Much prized Star Wars toys dating from 1977 to 1999 are also on show.
Photos: Chris Brudenell Photography for ESP Magazine
This is a rare chance to see this awe-inspiring collection in the UK so if you’ve been watching these films since Luke Skywalker first rescued Princess Leia, R2D2 won our hearts with his beeps and Darth Vader took us to the Death Star, you simply can’t miss this.
Peterborough’s always had a close affinity to the films after our very own Warwick Davis appeared as an Ewok when he was just a boy. The series has gone on to prove a hit with generation after generation.
The Very Revd Chris Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough, said - “I was at University when the first Star Wars movie was released in the 1970s and the unfolding story proved a compelling narrative for me, my children and for many millions of people around the world in the years that followed. I'm sure this exhibition will draw many people to see it, some of whom will discover our beautiful Cathedral and city for the first time."
Photos: Chris Brudenell Photography for ESP Magazine
The exhibition is arranged as a series of scenes with groups of characters and sets on display in the central and eastern parts of the building. The nave of the Cathedral remains open for worship and visiting.
Tickets for the exhibition are now on sale at www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/galaxies
Income from ticket sales will help to support the running costs of the Cathedral.
Photos: Chris Brudenell Photography for ESP Magazine
The Unofficial Galaxies exhibition is in no way linked to Disney Enterprises INC, Lucasfilm Ltd LLC, Lucas Licensing Ltd or Lucas Entertainment Company Ltd LLC. The exhibition is a privately owned collection. All the images used are reproductions of private works belonging to the exhibition and from Shutterstock.