2nd September 2008
Packaging galore!
This fascinating little museum only opened in December 2005, so is still not widely known. Tucked away down a cobbled mews, it's of special interest to me not only because one of my clients was instrumental in putting it all together (PI Global, who you'll spot next door to the museum), but, having worked in branding and packaging design for many years, it includes some of my own work! So naturally I kept meaning to go, and finally did so in April 2008 while a designer friend was volunteering there.
Much of what is on display is the result of the lifelong passion of one man, Robert Opie, who started his collection aged 16 with a packet of Munchies. It now now extends to all aspects of daily life - toys, comics, magazines, newspapers, technology, travel, royal souvenirs, fashion and design - which has been grouped together and displayed by decade, spanning from Victorian times to present day. In another section towards the end, which I think might have been a special seasonal exhibition, well known brand names like Diet Coke had been lined up in date order so that one could see at a glance how the design has subtly changed over the years. Right now there's a special 'Biscuit Bonanza' exhibition running until the end of January 2009. Check out their website for what's currently on.
The highlight of the trip for many, particularly if you're British like me, will be seeing once more the stuff of your youth. For me that was the 1970's and 1980's sections - wombles, spacehoppers, Zoom lollies, Spangles, cans of Quatro. Ah, those were the days! That said, the American and Australian friends that I took along seemed to find the museum just as interesting as I did. We spent two happy hours there and could have stayed longer, if we hadn't been forced away by hunger.
Nearest tubes are Notting Hill, Westbourne Park, and Ladbroke Grove, although none of the them are especially close. A no. 23 bus, however, will drop you just around the corner in Westbourne Grove. The museum is open daily except Mondays, and at the time of writing costs £5.80 for adults. There's a gift and tea shop too, although be warned that you'll not be able to get much more than tea, coffee and a chocolate bar there. Coach parties occasionally descend on the place, but are supposed to pre-book if there's more than ten of them, so those who like their peace and quiet might want to check with the museum in advance to see if they're expecting one. If you ask nicely at reception, you can leave your coat and bag with them while you go look around.
Much recommended and, as an extra bit of trivia, I can tell you that controversial author Salman Rushdie used to live in the house on the opposite corner. Not sure if he still does, though, so you're unlikely to get caught up in an assassination attempt.
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Top 10 Museums and Art Galleries in Notting Hill
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