Peter Nelson Fulfils Dream With Opening Of The Bond Museum

Following up the earlier news that the grand opening of Keswick’s all-new James Bond Museum was set for today, the centenary of 007 producer Albert R. ‘Cubby’ Broccoli, the News & Star now features a discussion with the man behind the mayhem, Peter Nelson.

A huge fan of the Bond series since first reading the original Ian Fleming adventures as a teen, Nelson’s fascination with the world’s most popular secret agent resulted in more than 20 years worth of collecting numerous vehicles, gadgets and other items from the 007 film series.

‘I read the books when I was a boy and was taken aback by them,’ says Nelson. ‘When the films came out it was another dimension.’

Nelson now hopes the world will travel to Keswick to see the collection that bring back memories of some of the greatest film moments of all time.

Surveying his display, as the final touches were being added this week, Nelson said: ‘It is every boy’s dream come true. I believe it will become one of the world’s best small museums. People will travel from all over the world to see it and it is going to be a fantastic attraction for Keswick.’

He continues: ‘This town is about beauty and adventure, all things associated with James Bond. This is what the town needs and already I am getting inquiries about the museum from all over the world.’

‘James Bond is known in every country. He is instantly recognisable. There’s already some people travelling from America to be here on the opening day and we had visitors from Dubai who turned up early because they had heard about it and came specially to see what it was all about.’

‘Putting it together has been quite an adventure. Ironically I was going to sell the collection a year ago because I had nowhere to display it for Bond fans. I approached Christies, but thought it was sad to see it split up. At that time the people who own this building approached me and it seemed fate that I had the chance to build a museum just when I was considering selling.’

Nelson, who is also an artist with his own studio in Keswick, has done a bust of Cubby Broccoli which was unveiled today at the opening of the museum. ‘He was a genius,’ he said. ‘He had great vision about who would look good on screen and who would be the best directors.’

Nelson recently had dinner with one of the most famous Bonds, Sir Roger Moore, at a reunion event at the Pinewood Studios. ‘He is a really nice fella and has a great sense of humour,’ he said. ‘All the actors have added to the Bond entity and Daniel Craig, the latest 007, has brought a gritty appeal. I can’t wait for the 23rd film to come out.’

Sir Sean Connery remains the only Bond actor Nelson has not yet had a chance to meet. ‘It would be fantastic if he could come to Keswick and see the museum.’

Following the grand opening today to mark the Broccoli centenary, The Bond Museum will be given a full launch later in the year. For details, phone 017687 74044 or visit www.thebondmuseum.com.

Stay tuned to CommanderBond.net for all the latest news on Bond-related events happening around the world.