February Reminiscence Cafe

Wooing with Love Hearts

It’s that time of the year again when we see ever more sophisticated adverts for ever more sophisticated gifts to give our loved ones on Valentine’s Day. But I have a preference for the simpler adverts of my childhood, such as this one for Love Hearts produced by Barratt’s Sweets in Wood Green.

Not that we children needed adverts to get us to buy sweets, but it is likely we were directed to certain products by seeing advertising around us in the streets and shops, magazines and comics. Most adverts were aimed at adults giving us a glimpse of the world of grown-ups. Betting and beer, soap powder and scents, and many, many different brands of cigarettes.

Did people really smoke that much then? What adverts and bygone products do you remember most? Did any influence you or your family to buy certain ones? The washing powder your mum used, perhaps, the family chocolates at Christmas. We have many examples to show you and jog your memories.

Come along to the museum for this free event and share your memories over a cup of tea.