The Museum of Brands

The Museum of Brands in Notting Hill, a place that piques my interest in brands and their evolution, was a fascinating destination for me.

The initial pace was a bit slow for me, as it was set in the Victorian era when design wasn’t a priority. Typesetters created visually appealing items, but black and white jars for toothpaste - where are the minty blues?

However, I did appreciate the Peek Frean biscuits posters. The exhibition explained that artists would paint generic scenes and then add the actual product, incorporating the client’s logo. This emphasis on consistency instilled trust in the brand and the products they were about to purchase and consume.

The museum also showcased posters promoting the ‘cool’ image of smoking, assuring customers that it wouldn’t harm their throats. Sex has always been a powerful selling point, and women have been used to entice consumers since ancient times. Some even included actual photographs in cigarette packets.

A 1950s set featuring a standard assortment of products highlighted the enduring recognition of iconic brands like Heinz and HP sauce. While the design and font may have evolved, the core visual identity has remained consistent.

Another intriguing exhibit was ADWomen, which revealed that many seemingly sexist advertisements, such as Wonderbra Hello Boys campaign and Lynx deodorants, were actually created by women.

Kellogg’s, another brand that instantly comes to mind, has designs that may appear dated, but their identity remains undeniable.

Birds Custard Powder continues to use the iconic blue boxes and similar colours. However, some of the colours from the 1950s appear faded due to, well just being old.

Perrier has consistently used its green bottle with the logo in a circle on the neck of the bottle.

These brands truly demonstrate the significance of maintaining brand consistency. While they have evolved over time, often influenced by trends and fashion, they never stray too far from their established identity. When we encounter familiar elements, we naturally trust the quality of their products or services, which underscores the importance of consistency.