Friday 22 October until Monday 1 November 2021
Families can discover the stories behind some of the nation’s favourite brand mascots with the new Charismatic Characters discovery trail at the Museum of Brands during half term from Friday 22 October until Monday 1 November. Kids go free and adult tickets last a whole year. Families are invited to spot exhibits from enduring old favourites including Mickey Mouse, Felix the Cat and Pip, Squeak & Wilfred, to more recent ‘stars’ of television such as Fred the Flour Grader and the beloved Minions. Using the interactive QR codes along the way, our discovery trail offers a new way of getting to know the characters that we often take for granted. The popularity of brand mascot characters dates back to the early 19th century and have been created over the years to promote products by helping to improve brand recognition. Some stand out as remarkably iconic and, in many cases, left a lasting impression on consumers. Who can forget the pink bunny first introduced in the 1970s that managed to bestow on Duracell batteries an emotional connection through a fluffy, lovable rabbit, or Kellogg’s Tony the Tiger and his resounding catchphrase “They’re Grrrrrrrreat!”
And who would have thought that an anthropomorphic meerkat, created to promote an insurance company, would become part of our culture? This advertising phenomenon drove sales through collectibles and put Aleksandr’s catchphrase ‘simples’ in the Oxford English Dictionary. As well as the Charismatic Characters trail there will be children’s make-and-take activities
with a small gift given to all those who complete the trail, and a chance to enter our raffle for an extra special prize. Visitors can also relax in our cafe or garden and take advantage of a £2 children’s lunch with every adult meal or snack purchased.
The Museum is open daily and is the only one of its kind in the world, celebrating our past through our throwaway heritage with displays of hundreds of products full of memory and meaning. Together they offer us a fascinating insight into how our lives and society have evolved since Victorian times – from the changing roles of women, to the impact of war and technology; from the passing of the domestic servant to the evolving choice of food and toys, as well as the revolution in shopping habits over the last 200 years. Kids go free up to the age of 16 and adult admission tickets allow unlimited daytime entry for a whole year and costs £9 adults / £7 concessions. The Museum can be contacted by email at info@museumofbrands.com or telephone 020 7243 9611. The Museum of Brands is open 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. www.museumofbrands.com
