Welsh Collector's Flat Filled with 32 Life-Sized Movie Props
At 61, Martin James, a former cleaner, farmer, and singer from Caerphilly county, Wales, resides in a one-bedroom apartment adorned with 32 life-sized movie replicas, featuring a T-800 Terminator and a 6ft Po from Kung Fu Panda. His Hollywood-inspired collection also boasts action figures and posters. Almost a decade ago, he exchanged his motorbike for a Terminator figure and received a £10,000 offer for his Kung Fu Panda figure, yet he prioritizes enjoyment over financial gain. As a member of the rising 'kidult' demographic—those over 12 navigating adult life—James finds therapeutic value in his hobbies, a sentiment echoed by Dr. Julie Kirkham, who emphasizes their importance in the post-pandemic era. He believes in "enjoying life while it's here."
Key facts
- Martin James, 61, lives in a one-bedroom flat in Caerphilly county, Wales, with 32 life-sized props.
- Props include a T-800 Terminator, a 6ft, 175lb Po (Kung Fu Panda), and Pennywise from It.
- James traded his motorbike for a Terminator figure nearly 10 years ago.
- He was offered £10,000 for his Kung Fu Panda figure but refuses to sell.
- Kidults made up a third of UK toy sales in 2025.
- Elliot Riley-Walsh, creator of Valart, says social media influencers like Logan Paul and Henry Cavill are countering stigma.
- Dr Julie Kirkham from the University of Chester says collecting has therapeutic value and is a form of play.
- The pandemic contributed to increased interest in collecting, according to Kirkham.
Entities
Artists
- Martin James
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Logan Paul
- Henry Cavill
Institutions
- University of Chester
- Valart
Locations
- Caerphilly county
- Wales
- United Kingdom