A collection that’s bigger on the inside
Football chief’s Doctor Who collection that was in a league of its own. Tony Henderson reports
Newcastle United season ticket holder Dale Brotherton’s twin passions were football – and Doctor Who.
Mr Brotherton died in 2024 aged 54 and now a Newcastle auction house to sell his Doctor Who collection of 80 lots on June 10.
It includes a replica of The Doctor’s car ‘Bessie’, estimated at £4,000 to £6,000. The Siva Edwardian Tourer kit car has been modelled after the vehicle associated with Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor and carries the registration plate ‘WHO 244’, which is registered with the DVLA.
The lot is accompanied by signed correspondence from Jon Pertwee and signed photographs of Colin Baker with the vehicle.
Also on offer is a full-size licensed Dalek model by This Planet Earth Ltd, based on the design seen in Remembrance of the Daleks. Complete with its certificate of authenticity and signed paperwork, it is expected to achieve £400 to £600.
A rare 1965 Bell Toys ‘Astro Ray’ Dalek Gun, complete with its original pictorial box, ray beam and darts, is rated at £300 to £500.
A set of seven Doctor Who character jugs, featuring William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Sylvester McCoy and Colin Baker, together with certificates of authenticity, is estimated at £150-£250.
Mr Brotherton’s love of football extended across the North East and the North West. As well as his support for Newcastle, he was associated with Workington football club for more than 30 years, serving as the club’s youngest chairman for six years and also as secretary.
He played a key part in the appointment of former 1970s Newcastle midfield star Tommy Cassidy as Workington manager. The Northern Ireland international also managed Gateshead and Blyth Spartans.
Hamish Trower, auctioneer at Anderson & Garland, which will take care of the sale, said: “This is a proper TARDIS of a collection - bigger, brighter and more exciting the more you look inside it.
“It’s been lovingly built over many years by a hugely enthusiastic Doctor Who fan, and it’s full of character, nostalgia and real fun.
“We’re delighted to be bringing it to auction, where we’re sure it will find a whole new universe of admirers.”
Public viewing will take place on Monday, June 8 from 10am until 3pm at Anderson House, Westerhope, Newcastle.