Bond fan Robin Harbour talks about his 007 collection now on display in Walsall, UK

02-Sep-2009 • Collecting

A lifelong James Bond fan has handed over his precious memorabilia collection to Walsall Museum for two months.

Robin Harbour, aged 56, from Willenhall, has built up the collection over the past 45 years, and now has more than 5,000 items.

Robin recalls the moment he was bitten by the Bond bug aged 11. "In 1964 I couldn't help but notice the release of the film Goldfinger," he told This is Wales. "I persuaded my father to take me and a friend to see it and I was hooked."

Robin's collection started with the purchase of a Corgi Aston Martin DB5 and now includes books, vintage models, records, magazines and autographs.

Pride of place in the collection is Robin's 1965 Thunderball poster, which he acquired from the manager of an old miner's cinema many years ago.

Not only has he scoured internet auction sites and collectors fairs for rare finds, Robin has had the privilege of meeting some of the films' past stars.

"I've had dinner twice with George Lazenby and had the pleasure of meeting many of the Bond girls including Shirley Eaton and Tanya Roberts."

Robin's collection and knowledge continues to be unrivalled, with many researchers calling upon his expertise for different projects.

He has assisted with numerous Bond themed events including the establishment of the new Bond Museum in Keswick, Cumbria.

His obsession with Bond has often raised the eyebrows of bemused onlookers and Robin said his mother is very glad he no longer lives at home.

The collection will continue to grow as Robin's budget allows, with a real Aston Martin on the cards should he win the lottery.

Bond enthusiasts will get the chance to marvel at some of the memorabilia at Walsall Museum's The Changing Face of Walsall gallery from Friday, August 28 until Saturday, October 17.

Jennifer Thomson, community history curator at the Museum said: "We are delighted to put on display some of the items in Robin's collection."

Walsall Museum is open from 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday and from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays.