Winter 2008 Shows in London: Geffrye Museum,
Museum of Childhood, and Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising
Nov 25, 2008
Despite difficult financial times museums in London are experiencing increased visitor numbers. Three of London's favourite museums are the Geffrye Museum, the Museum of Childhood, and the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising. All three are offering outstanding family exhibitions through the Winter season.
Geffrye Museum
The Geffrye Museum, one of London’s best-loved museums, shows the changing style of the English domestic interior in a series of period rooms from 1600 to the present day. The installations show the quintessential style of English middle-class living rooms.
- At Home in London, 1600 – 1800 (permanent exhibition). The At Home project features four period rooms dated 1630, 1695, 1745 and 1790, a series of interpretive galleries, two audio guides and a comprehensive programme of public events.
- Christmas Past: 400 Years of Seasonal Traditions in English Homes (until 4 January 2009). The museum’s 12 period rooms are decorated to reflect 400 years of Christmas traditions. The meanings of customs such as kissing under the mistletoe and decorating the tree are also explored.
- Choosing the Chintz: Men, women and furnishing the home, from 1850 to the present (until 22 Feb 2009). This special exhibition explores the different attitudes that men and women have to furnishing the home.
Full details can be obtained from the Geffrye Museum.
Museum of Childhood
The Museum of Childhood houses the national childhood collection and is part of the Victoria & Albert group of museums. This children's paradise invites everyone, both children and adults alike, to examine the themes of childhood past and present.
- Top to Toe: Fashion for Kids (until 19 April 2009), draws on the Museum's comprehensive collection. The display explores the fascinating world of children's clothing from 250 years ago to the present day.
Full details can be obtained from the Museum of Childhood.
Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising
The permanent display features more than 12,000 items from the Robert Opie Collection. The museum traces trends in consumer culture decade by decade in the “time tunnel”, from Victorian times to the present day.
- Biscuit Bonanza (until 31 January 2009). The art of the biscuit label is revealed through more than 100 colourful and vibrant designs. The exhibition features biscuit tins of every shape and size which show the printing skills of the biscuit trade since Victorian times.
- Sweet Sixties (until 31 May 2009). According to Robert Opie this is "the ultimate nostalgia trip for sweet lovers everywhere." Items on display show the tastes and temptations of 40 years ago. Forgotten favourites such as Aztec, Fry’s 5 Centre, Bar Six are shown alongside Marathon and Opal Fruits before their names changed.
Full details can be obtained from the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising.
