LONDON.- As we head towards the first coronation in the UK in 70 years, millions of people across the country are invited to celebrate a weekend of activities from 6 to 8 May at the Museum of Brands in Notting Hill. The Royal family is arguably one of Britain’s strongest brands and in the past, commemorative mugs, tins, magazines, flags, and plenty of bunting has been produced in their honour. A fascinating picture emerges, creating a visually stimulating and thought-provoking experience, and for many an emotional and nostalgic reunion with their past.

By the time of the Coronations of King George VI in 1937 and Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, special celebratory chocolate bars from Frys, KitKat, Aero, Nestle and Bournville were available. Indeed, there were more coronation tins for tea and coffee in 1953 than ever before. There was even a coronation souvenir Fusilier lighter for igniting the gas cooker.

Robert Opie, consumer historian and author of the Royal Scrapbook and other books on consumer culture, says “Time will tell when we all see what decorative packs will fill the supermarkets – the museum is ready to display the latest part of the story. For the 1937 coronation the latest novelty was a can of beer. What will be the sensation of 2023?”

‘Please Touch’ object handling sessions, and a royal scrapbooking activity will take place over the Coronation weekend from Saturday 6 to Monday 8 May. Visitors will have the chance to handle and explore objects from the 1953 Coronation and the 1977 Silver Jubilee and create their own souvenir scrapbook using images from the collection and the Royal Scrapbook.

The theme of nostalgia runs throughout the Museum of Brands, giving visitors the opportunity to reminisce in a light-hearted manner, and share conversations about significant items from their past. The centrepiece of the Museum is its Time Tunnel, which transports visitors through changing fads and fashions, radio and television, the dramatic rise of branding and marketing, and an endless stream of innovations that have made things more convenient for millions.

The Museum of Brands is open from 10:00 to 18:00 Monday to Saturday and 11:00 to 17:00 on Sundays and Bank Holidays. The Museum is located a short walk from Ladbroke Grove tube station at 111-117 Lancaster Road, W11 1QT.