One of my favourite royal mementos - the Royal Rubik's cube
The latest royal wedding was a couple of months ago, but some stores are still full of cut price Wills and Kate memorabilia. For a few weeks there is seemed like there was no product that couldn't benefit from having their smiling faces on or a flag of the union at least. There were biscuit tins, t-bags, washing up liquid, crockery and glassware, bags, hats, t-shirts and even a fly swatter. But this extravagance isn't their fault after all the reigning King and Queen of wedding souvenirs are still Charles and Diana. This
exhibition reunites mother and son, and others in their family, to look at the objects and objet d'art this obsession with royal marriages elicits a desire for from their subjects.
It didn't start with Lady Di tea towels, or even mugs with the Queen on them though I can't quite image her highness being particularly enamoured with the idea it started with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1840. Which was the beginning of the souvenir age. Victoria and Albert were the first to have their marriage on a mug and a plate, and the industry has just exploded from there.
This exhibition, at the
Museum of Brands charts the highs and lows so far of the industry in a charming way that you could interpret as respectful or tongue-in-cheek depending on your personal view on the craze.
The exhibition runs from the 14th of April until the 31st of August, Monday Saturday 11 6.
