Rare Thomas & Friends Memorabilia Charity Auction Celebrates 80 Years
This month marks a significant milestone in children's entertainment as Thomas & Friends, the beloved television series, celebrates its 80th anniversary. To commemorate this momentous occasion, an exclusive charity auction is set to take place online, featuring an impressive collection of over 200 original models, props, and production pieces from the show. The auction will run from May 12 to 28, 2025, and is organized by Propstore, a leading auction house specializing in entertainment memorabilia, in partnership with the iconic toy manufacturer, Mattel.
One of the auction's most appealing aspects is its philanthropic angle; all net proceeds from the sales will benefit the National Autistic Society, a UK charity dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and their families. This partnership underscores the enduring impact of Thomas & Friends on audiences, particularly among children on the autism spectrum.
Collectors and fans will have the chance to bid on unique items that hold significant cultural value. Among the highlights is a large Thomas model used in both Series 1 and 11, along with promotional imagery from The Great Discovery. Other noteworthy items include a model of Hank, the American engine, one of two identical models created for the last live-action series, and Arthur, the big tank engine featuring nine interchangeable faces.
The auction also showcases key characters like Elizabeth the Lorry, Byron the Bulldozer, and Fergus the Traction Engine, each accompanied by original components that bring these beloved characters to life. For example, Fergus features ten different faces, including one from a deleted scene, adding charm and intrigue to the collection.
In addition to the models, the auction will feature unique pieces signed by renowned British actors who have lent their voices to the characters over the years, including Olivia Colman, Eddie Redmayne, and Hugh Bonneville. The opportunity to own a piece of Thomas & Friends history, signed by these talented individuals, adds an extra layer of excitement for bidders.
Stephen Lane, CEO of Propstore, expressed his pride in managing this auction. He stated, "Thomas & Friends is part of the fabric of British television history. Propstore is honored to handle these original production models in a charity sale that not only celebrates the 80th anniversary of this iconic franchise but also benefits the incredible work of the National Autistic Society."
The National Autistic Society underscored the importance of Thomas & Friends in supporting autistic children, acknowledging the franchise’s commitment to inclusivity and representation. The introduction of Bruno the Brake Car, the first autistic character in the series, has further enriched the narrative and helped to foster understanding and acceptance among viewers.
Moreover, this charity auction aligns with other anniversary celebrations, including the release of a never-before-seen pilot episode from 1983 with narration by Ringo Starr and a new Thomas & Friends Storytime podcast series featuring the family of the show's creator, Wilbert Vere Awdry.
Tommy Dorrance, Director of National Programmes at the National Autistic Society, expressed gratitude toward Mattel and highlighted the essential funding provided through events like this auction. He remarked, "Since 2011, our work together has been encouraging autism understanding and acceptance, and we continue to celebrate autistic representation in Thomas’ 80th Anniversary year. Events like this help towards our aim of creating a society that works for autistic people."
Bidding for this grand event opens on May 12, with an official registration process already underway. This is an exceptional chance for fans, collectors, and advocates to own a piece of history while contributing to a meaningful cause. For more information, visit propstore.com. Don't miss the opportunity to partake in this significant celebration and the exciting auction that accompanies it!
One of the auction's most appealing aspects is its philanthropic angle; all net proceeds from the sales will benefit the National Autistic Society, a UK charity dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and their families. This partnership underscores the enduring impact of Thomas & Friends on audiences, particularly among children on the autism spectrum.
Collectors and fans will have the chance to bid on unique items that hold significant cultural value. Among the highlights is a large Thomas model used in both Series 1 and 11, along with promotional imagery from The Great Discovery. Other noteworthy items include a model of Hank, the American engine, one of two identical models created for the last live-action series, and Arthur, the big tank engine featuring nine interchangeable faces.
The auction also showcases key characters like Elizabeth the Lorry, Byron the Bulldozer, and Fergus the Traction Engine, each accompanied by original components that bring these beloved characters to life. For example, Fergus features ten different faces, including one from a deleted scene, adding charm and intrigue to the collection.
In addition to the models, the auction will feature unique pieces signed by renowned British actors who have lent their voices to the characters over the years, including Olivia Colman, Eddie Redmayne, and Hugh Bonneville. The opportunity to own a piece of Thomas & Friends history, signed by these talented individuals, adds an extra layer of excitement for bidders.
Stephen Lane, CEO of Propstore, expressed his pride in managing this auction. He stated, "Thomas & Friends is part of the fabric of British television history. Propstore is honored to handle these original production models in a charity sale that not only celebrates the 80th anniversary of this iconic franchise but also benefits the incredible work of the National Autistic Society."
The National Autistic Society underscored the importance of Thomas & Friends in supporting autistic children, acknowledging the franchise’s commitment to inclusivity and representation. The introduction of Bruno the Brake Car, the first autistic character in the series, has further enriched the narrative and helped to foster understanding and acceptance among viewers.
Moreover, this charity auction aligns with other anniversary celebrations, including the release of a never-before-seen pilot episode from 1983 with narration by Ringo Starr and a new Thomas & Friends Storytime podcast series featuring the family of the show's creator, Wilbert Vere Awdry.
Tommy Dorrance, Director of National Programmes at the National Autistic Society, expressed gratitude toward Mattel and highlighted the essential funding provided through events like this auction. He remarked, "Since 2011, our work together has been encouraging autism understanding and acceptance, and we continue to celebrate autistic representation in Thomas’ 80th Anniversary year. Events like this help towards our aim of creating a society that works for autistic people."
Bidding for this grand event opens on May 12, with an official registration process already underway. This is an exceptional chance for fans, collectors, and advocates to own a piece of history while contributing to a meaningful cause. For more information, visit propstore.com. Don't miss the opportunity to partake in this significant celebration and the exciting auction that accompanies it!
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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