This summer from 23 July the Museum of Brands will be celebrating Mr. Men Little Miss 50th anniversary with a discovery trail full of unique memorabilia and children’s make-and-take creative activities alongside its permanent exhibition.
As well as the trail, which will spark children’s curiosity and evoke nostalgic memories for grown-ups, visitors will have the chance to see original sketches by Adam Hargreaves, the Royal Mint commemorative coin collection and limited-edition Mr. Men Little Miss Royal Mail postage stamps.
The Museum celebrates 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 role of women to the impact of war and technology; from the passing of the domestic servant to the everchanging choices of food and toys, as well as the revolution in shopping habits over the last 200 years.
Robert Opie, founder of the Museum of Brands said, “During the past hundred years, children’s character merchandise has become increasingly popular, from Felix the Cat that arrived in the 1920s and Mickey Mouse in the 1930s to the likes of Postman Pat in the 1980s. This year we celebrate 50 years of the genius of the Mr. Men characters.”
Adam Hargreaves, Mr. Men Little Miss author said, “My dad, Roger Hargreaves, created the Mr. Men series in 1971 and it’s a great accolade to his idea that the Museum of Brands has chosen to feature some of the merchandise that started filling up our home 50 years ago. Through the generations, the Mr. Men and Little Miss have been seen on all kinds of products from Mr. Chatterbox radios to Mr. Grumpy Easter eggs!”
Alastair McHarrie, Sanrio’s Licensing Director said, “The inclusion of iconic Mr. Men Little Miss products and memorabilia in the Museum of Brands demonstrates how these colorful characters are now part of the UK’s pop collective imagination, alongside many historical brands. We are delighted and honored with this collaboration on the occasion of our 50th anniversary.”
The Mr. Men Little Miss Discovery Trail will launch at the Museum of Brands on 23 July and runs until 10 September.
Discover more on the Museum of Brand’s website and if you can’t be there follow our Instagram page where we’ll be posting weekly pictures and stories. Don’t miss it!