Thunderbirds Are Go… Again! Slough Celebrates 60 Years Of Supermarionation At The Home Of The Original Studio
Slough Museum has launched a new exhibition celebrating the 60th anniversary of Thunderbirds, the iconic 1960s puppet series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and filmed on the Slough Trading Estate. The exhibition runs every Friday and Saturday until 20 December 2025.
Visitors can explore original puppets, studio-scale models, rare merchandise and beloved characters, including Lady Penelope, Brains and the Tracy family, all brought to life through the Andersons’ groundbreaking “Supermarionation” technique.
Inspired by the 1963 Lengede mining disaster, Gerry Anderson imagined a futuristic global rescue organisation – International Rescue – capable of saving lives anywhere. Produced in Slough between 1964 and 1966, the series spanned 32 episodes and became a global phenomenon.
To mark the anniversary, Slough Museum hosted a special programme curated by Resource Productions in partnership with Salt Hill VR, as part of the Slough Cultural Revival. The event showcased Thunderbirds’ lasting influence through modern reinterpretations, including VR rescue vehicles designed by local young people, alongside contemporary puppetry and creature artistry inspired by the show’s pioneering spirit.
Jaye Isherwood, Slough Museum, commented: “It’s been inspiring to welcome fans from across the country, alongside the local Slough community, to celebrate such an iconic chapter in British television history. Thunderbirds showcases the creativity and innovation that have shaped this area, and reminds us why Slough remains a vibrant centre for culture, ideas and community.”