Largest collection of Doctor Who memorabilia, world record set in Bourbonnais, Illinois

October 4, 2024

Bourbonnais, Illinois, United States--Lee Thompson and his son, William Thompson. have amassed more than 21,000 items of Doctor Who memorabilia in their collection, which they dubbed The Thompson Library, and 7,507 items were approved to earn them the title for the largest collection of Doctor Who memorabilia, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"A Chicago-area father and son earned a Guinness World Record for their collection of 7,507 pieces of Doctor Who memorabilia.

"Lee Thompson said he has been a Doctor Who fan since watching the British sci-fi series on PBS when he was a child, and he introduced his son, William Thompson, to the franchise when it returned to the airwaves in 2005," the UPI reports.

"The duo have amassed more than 21,000 items in their collection, which they dubbed The Thompson Library, and 7,507 items were approved by Guinness World Records to earn them the title for the largest collection of Doctor Who memorabilia."

"The largest collection of Doctor Who memorabilia consists of 7,507 items, and was achieved by William and Lee Thompson (Both USA), in Bourbonnais, Illinois, USA, on 12 July 2024," the Guinness World Records says.

"Father and son William and Lee have been members of the 'Whovian' community for many years."

"Guinness World Records has officially stated that Lee and William Thompson have broken the record for the largest collection of Doctor Who memorabilia. The father and son duo have put together a remarkable collection of items related to the renowned British science fiction series, Doctor Who," The Thompson Library says.

"There are currently just over 21,000 artifacts in the Thompsons' collection, and more are being added every day. Of the 21,000 items in their collection, the final record shattering number verified by Guinness was 7,507 items, breaking the previous record of 6,641 items, achieved by Lily Connors of Pontypridd, UK, as verified by Guinness World Records on June 20, 2016. "

"Lee Thompson, the father, is a thirty-year resident of the Chicago area. Lee’s passion for the iconic British sci-fi series began during his childhood where he watched it on his local PBS station.

"William Thompson, the son, is a twenty-six-year resident of the Chicago Area and is currently a student at the University of North Texas G Brint Ryan School of Business.

"His passion for the iconic British sci-fi also series began during his childhood. As Lee introduced William to the show through the 2005 revival, and William was instantly hooked."

"Lee Thompson remarked, "We are thrilled to have broken this record." Our love for Doctor Who is clear in this collection, which speaks to the show's enormous impact on our lives. We are determined to honor the rich history of Doctor Who and encourage other fans to follow their interest in it," The Thompson Library says.

"This journey has been incredible, and we are grateful for the support of our family, friends, and fellow Whovians," William Thompson said. "We've added another hundred or so items since we finished counting, and we don't intend to slow down anytime soon!"