Doctor Who signing event report
Posted by Huw,
Roving reporter iso3200 has been to Bluewater today for the Doctor Who signing event and has kindly provided this report:
Today saw the second Doctor Who signing session with fan designer Andrew Clark. This was held at the LEGO Bluewater brand store between 12 and 2pm, and as usual, Manager Gareth and the team ran an excellent event. The weekday timing did make it a bit more subdued than the past Exosuit and Birds signings, both of which occurred on Saturdays. This was no bad thing for the attendees though, as the queue was not huge and by 1pm it was easy just to turn up and get a set signed almost immediately.
With a combination of LEGO fans and Whovians it didn't appear to be just an AFOL event. There were definitely a few parents doing their Christmas shopping who turned up on the day with no idea that the signing was being held, and it was nice to see them getting dedications for their 'Little Timmys" at home. Several people had already brought their own sets with them in case there was a supply issue, but it seemed the store was well prepared with plenty to go around (or there was when I left around 1.20 anyway).
In the queue there was the general banter that I've always found at these events - strangers talking to strangers through a common bond, whether that be LEGO, or Doctor Who in this instance. The conversations I took part in / eavesdropped often had the same questions and thoughts - will LEGO do more DW sets? What could they make? What I'd like to see is [insert favourite character here] etc., etc.
I know that some people question the merit of having a signed edition, but I guess it all boils down to what you like to collect. As a sealed box I would rather have a signed one just for that extra bit of exclusivity. The events are always organised well and fun to be at. It's a good vibe, and nice to be able to chat to the designer and shake their hand. Andrew was very accommodating with requests for photos and dedications - it must have been exhausting for him. And today with the £60 spend to get a Gingerbread house, it was hard not to buy an extra something to get over that limit for such a nice freebie. Also given away today were some collectors printed postcards and stickers to go with the signed sets which was a nice touch.
I have to say that having now seen the set on display for real, and having it in hand I can't wait to build it now that I'm at home. All in all, a good day.
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7 comments on this article
Nice report, @iso3200 - shame I couldn't make it there, but sounds like it went well!
Really does look a nice set!
Sounds like fun, thank you for your report.
I wish there was signings around here. I just got a message from sh @p that my set has been dispatched so looking forward to receiving it...
Shame no designers dare take a trip up north, :(.
Nice to get to meet the designer and get a personalised gift for someone.
He just needs to build that Soundwave now.
I was there later and there was no queue and loads of people just shopping not really interested, I bought two in separate purchases to make it £60 like iso3000! But I have resold one already as I don't like Dr Who after working with the BBC for 7 years (it puts you everything BBC after a while!). There were bundles of sets still left as he was leaving so it was not as popular as Birds, Big Bang Theory or Wall-E. Previously you couldn't pick them up from Bluewater shortly after their release. Birds was sold out for a week after the signing from memory. Perhaps the price point for a very small box just puts people off thinking they are not getting much for their money? Either way the designer was very nice and passionate about making more Lego ideas submissions. My Uncle loves Dr Who so the remaining set will likely go to him (after I have had a little cheeky build and play!).
^^ I agree, the Meadowhall store would be an excellent venue for a third signing session.
^^ @appostie Maybe sales were less swift due to it being midweek. Maybe more sold on the following Saturday.
On a related topic, does anyone know if Andrew Clark is attending BRICK (London) 2015 and might be officially (or unofficially) available to sign copies of LEGO Doctor Who?
And one last question... what do people recommend as the best way to find out about these signings? I always seem to only hear of them via Brickset (which is fine, but it might be nice to get ahead of the game sometimes).
I'm Andrew Clark. Signing was fun! it was great to meet all the LEGO and Doctor who fans. The LEGO store employees were all super friendly. Typically I only sign to pay bills, so it's nice to sign for a fun reason.
@toastcrumbs I will be flying back to Baltimore MD USA, just before BRICK London, sorry. I will be in Manchester UK until the 9th.
Lego Ideas announced the signing event on FB.
@cumcumber I have build Buzzsaw in real LEGO I will photograph and add to flickr. As for Soundwave, In theory it would stand up and transform, but i'd hate to spend a few hundred and it did not work, besides I need to do my next idea, for ideas!