Recent trip to London. This included a visit to the back streets of Notting Hill and a visit to the Museum of Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising which displays about 120 years of cans, wrappers and bottles. The things we throw away everyday (or try to recycle). The recent decades are a nostalgia trip and the earlier years are social commentary. A fascinating hour was rounded off with a chat to Robert Opie who has collected and curated the material. A friendly splendid chap who is constantly adding current and antique items to this vast treasure. Not much Co-op stuff on display. But he does have a whole archive of old Co-op packaging going back to the 1870's which really needs to be seen. The Co-op were doing own brand commodities in Queen Victoria's reign. Usually named after the factories that produced them - Crumpsall Cream Crackers, Pelaw Shoe Polish, Luton Cocoa. However space and finances are always the limits to a museum. Maybe the Co-op Group could sponsor an exhibition there?In short, dip out of the tourist tat of the metropolis and indulge sometime in nostalgia and history you can relate to at this little gem.
Museum of Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising - details
2 Colville Mews, Lonsdale Road, Notting Hill, London, W11 2AR
Robert Opie Collection - details
