An interesting mews which houses “The Museum of Brands”, famous designer Alice Temperley’s showroom and a good mix of period and modern houses. In 2000, a development of large houses was completed. The mews is situated off Lonsdale in the heart of Notting Hill.

Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising:
(No 2 Colville Mews, Tel: 0207 908 0880)

This 10,000 pieces collection began with consumer historian Robert Opie collecting a pack of Munchies at the age 16. Now including toys, comics, fashion and design, as well as packaging and advertising, the museum presents a fascinating journey through 200 years of consumer behaviour.

EXTRACT FROM MEWS NEWS

“There was a time when I was tempted to buy an “original” mews house in Queensberry Mews West, South Kensington, with the original stalls, herringbone floor etc, and turn it into a Museum of Mews – sadly it never happened and the house in question is now fully modernized to today’s standards. What Robert Opie has done at The Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising is on a far grander scale than anything I could have done and totally enthralling. It is located in Colville Mews, Notting Hill and covers an area of some 4,000 square feet. I visited the museum recently and after spending only 20 minutes or so walking round, I found myself with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. As the museum leaflet says: In the museum you will find the origins of our consumer society, represented through the everyday items that we all take for granted – from motor cars, telephones, music, radios, television, holidays, entertainment and all manner of branded groceries, sweets and household goods. Walking through the Museum’s time tunnel from Victoriana right through to the 2000s, you will wallow in nostalgia. Young visitors will explore the story of their parents and grandparents and the older generation will remember tales from the past to enchant their children and grandchildren. I can’t recommend the museum enough – do go – I am certainly going back with my children.” KL

BOROUGH: Kensington and Chelsea.