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About the Collections

We care for around one million objects. With that many, there's something of interest to everyone!

 The majority of the collections we care for are on long-term loan from the Robert Opie Collection. Begun by Robert Opie in the 1960s, this vast collection includes all manner of objects - from household goods and food, to commemorative products, toys, and ephemera. The collection documents a 'consumer revolution' in Britain from the 1800s through to the present day which changed the way we all live.

In the Robert Opie Collection, you'll find very early examples of products that are now commonplace; brands that have long since vanished from our shops; products that never quite took off; special editions of almost any product imaginable; and a treasure trove of historic advertising.

We also hold a smaller collection in our own right which has been gathered to inform our exhibition programme, and expand our displays in new and interesting ways. This also includes some collections donated to the Museum, such as an important archive of Walls ice-lolly wrappers. 

Unfortunately, there's currently no publicly-accessible catalogue of the collections we hold. We are working on it, but with a curatorial team of two, it will take some time!

In the meantime, the best way to discover the collection is to visit us in person at the Museum.

FAQs

Have a question about collections? Read our FAQs to see if it's already been answered.
1Can I take photos of objects on display?
Please do take photos! We just ask that you don't use flash, as it can harm objects on display; and only use non-professional equipment.
2How can I access collections for research?
If you're looking for specific information about objects, you can get in touch with us via email at collections@museumofbrands.com. Unfortunately, we don't currently have a dedicated space for researchers to work on site.
3Do you accept object donations?
Our storage is currently completely full! Unfortunately, this means we can't accept the many kind offers of donations for the collections. We hope in the future to be able to begin collecting once again; please do keep in touch with us to find out how work is progressing.
4Do you have an online catalogue?
We're working on it! With so many objects it will take time, but we're excited to be able to provide more information on the collections in due course.
5Can I borrow objects from the Museum of Brands for exhibitions?
We can loan objects in the Museum of Brands' own collection. If you'd like to get in touch to discuss a loan, you can do so via email at collections@museumofbrands.com. We're unable to loan objects from the Robert Opie Collection which is on loan to us. Please note that we can only loan objects to public institutions.
6How do I licence an image of collections from the Museum of Brands?
We can licence images of objects in the Museum of Brands' own collection. If you'd like to get in touch to discuss a loan, you can do so via email at collections@museumofbrands.com. We're unable to licence images of objects in the Robert Opie Collection which is on loan to us.
7Can you tell me how much my object is worth?
We do not offer valuations of objects, in line with the Museum Association's Code of Ethics.
8What do I do if I have an enquiry about the collections?
If you haven't found an answer to your question here, you can get in touch with us via email at collections@museumofbrands.com. We try to respond promptly to all enquiries but we're a very small team, so please do bear with us!