50 years of design and style in James Bond films to go on display

A waxwork of Sir Sean Connery posing with an Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger Credit: Lewis Whyld/PA Wire

Ursula Andress' bikini and Daniel Craig's swimming trunks are among the iconic items on display in a new exhibition documenting 50 years of design in James Bond films.

The exhibition, which opens at London's Barbican Centre tomorrow, draws together more than 400 costumes, props and gadgets from one of the most successful film franchises of all time.

Visitors will be immediately confronted by Mr Bond himself, albeit in the form of a wax model of Sir Sean Connery, leaning against his beautiful 1964 Aston Martin DB5.

Two famous bikinis are included in the exhibition: the white bikini worn by Ursula Andress as she emerged from the sea in Dr No, and Halle Berry's orange two-piece from Die Another Day.

Men's swimwear also makes an appearance with Daniel Craig's tight blue trunks from Casino Royale, and a recreation of Sir Sean Connery's shorts as worn in Thunderball.

The shark exhibit Credit: Lewis Whyld/PA Wire

Oscar-winning costume designer and co-curator Lindy Hemming, who has worked on numerous Hollywood hits, said she had aimed to give visitors "the feel of being in a Bond film".

A model of Shirley Eaton as famous Bond girl Jill Masterson painted gold from the film Goldfinger Credit: Lewis Whyld/PA Wire

A number of Bond villains play a starring role in the exhibition which showcases Scaramanga's golden gun, Oddjob's deadly bowler hat and Rosa Klebb's flick-knife shoes from From Russia With Love.

Ian Fleming, the author and former MI6 employee who invented 007, also forms an integral part of the exhibition. The late Mr Fleming based many stories and character traits on his own experiences, knowledge and friends.

The exhibition has 14 themed areas including a recreation of spymaster M's office, a look at the recurring importance of casinos in Bond films and an "ice palace" evoking Bond's various adventures in colder climbs. It concludes with a Martini Bar.

Barbican employee looks at a photograph of the character Jaws, played by Richard Kiel in James Bond film's Spy Who Loved Me Credit: Lewis Whyld/PA Wire

'Designing 007: 50 years of Bond Style' opens at the Barbican Centre in London. Part of the show will tour internationally when the exhibition closes in September. Further details are available here.