Exhibition of life on her majesty's secret service

Shooting an enemy agent with a gun disguised as a pen, making a getaway in a mini-jet and then bedding a beautiful woman was all in an average day's work for James Bond.

For those of us whose working day tends to be rather more mundane, a new exhibition at the Science Museum in London celebrating the life, times and gadgets of the world's most famous spy offers a rare opportunity to experience life On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

The presence of hundreds of media representatives from around the world at yesterday's preview offered proof of the enduring appeal of a British icon many thought would die with the Cold War.

"We had our own version of Bond, a KGB hero, but he never took off,'' recalled Alexander Komorowski, a writer from St Petersburg. "His girls were never quite that pretty and his gadgets were nothing like as exciting, Ladas rather than Rolls Royces if you like," he said.

Bond, of course, is all about gadgets, and the exhibition traces the evolution and range from Dr No (1962) to Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). The film producers Eon have thrown open their props department for everything from the crocodile submarine 007 used in Octopussy to Oddjob's decapitating bowler hat and Scaramanga's golden gun.

The exhibition, which opens today and is due to run until 27 April next year, is primarily aimed at an age group from 10 to early teens, but judging by the people making inquiries, there will be plenty of accompanying adults. George Dawson, 48, a draftsman, will be among the first visitors. "If one grew up in Britain in our generation then you basically grew up with Bond,'' he said. "I know he's now considered not to be politically correct, and quite hammy, but he is still part of our life."

This is especially true for the film producer Barbara Broccoli, whose late father, Cubby, began the series of films. The exhibition is timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the first film. Ms Broccoli said: "I am 42, and this really is like walking through my whole life.

"I started on school vacations working on the set making tea and coffee. The first full-time job I had was on Octopussy, now I am a producer with my brother Michael Wilson. I would love to do another Bond. People always ask me who the next Bond is. That is like asking a bride walking down the aisle who her next husband is going to be."

She was equally coy about who played the best Bond. "Each one has meant a lot to me growing up, and I have been lucky to be friends with them. In fact last night I was with Roger Moore, who was celebrating his 75th birthday.''