Golden Jubilee
26 March 2002
Mark the Golden Jubilee between Friday 31 May to Sunday 8 September 2002.
Did you wear a Coronation dress when the Queen was crowned or, like 27 million others, crowd around a brand new television set? Did you get caught up in ‘Jubilee Fever’ and buy a pair of silver socks? Or are you still the proud of a Coronation tea set?
As we begin a new round of celebrations, the Museum of London’s latest exhibition, The Queen and Us, looks back at the ‘Coronation kitsch’ of 1953 and the ‘Jubilee Junk’ of 1977, putting on display for the first time in 25 years the photographs and commemorative souvenirs that marked the capital’s past celebrations.
Opening on Friday 31 May, the exhibition rediscovers memories and memorabilia to illustrate how and why Londoners participated in the Queen’s Coronation and Silver Jubilee. From Coronation wrapping paper to a copy of the Sex Pistol’s God Save the Queen, swimming trunks to home-made decorations, items in the exhibition will explore the unique relationship the British have with their monarch.
Did you know that...
- In June 1953
- Sweet rationing ended in time for the Coronation
30,000 people slept in the Mall on the night before the event
- On the day, over 1 million people came to London, with more arriving in the evening to watch the fireworks
- In Britain 27 million viewers watched the Coronation live on television
In June 1977
- 4,000 street parties happened in London alone
- 1 million people watched the Royal Procession leave Buckingham Palace en route to a service at St. Paul’s Cathedral
- ‘Jubilee Junk’ included Jubilee Jotters, tissue boxes, shopping bags, key tabs, pencil cases and models of the state coach and horses.
- Tourism increased by 13% during Jubilee year
The Coronation brought colour and pageantry at a time when Britain was still in post-war gloom. Where were you when everyone was celebrating? Visitors to the Museum are encouraged to add their own recollections from these memorable occasions, and if it all seems in the distant past, a recreated 1950s living room with all the new television as centrepiece is sure to bring back memories.
And if you want to relive the street parties in 1950s London…
Special anniversary event
Tuesday 4 June 1-5pm
Golden Jubilee street party
Mark the Queen’s 50 years on the throne by coming to our 1950s-style London street party. There will be fairground rides, sideshows, street entertainers, food and refreshments. Swing bands will get you in the party mood, and Pearly Kings and Queens will add that traditional touch. Why not watch our jive demonstrations or join our jitterbug classes and competition?
Press enquiries:
Mairi Allan/Judith Holmes 020 7814 5511/5502