In an era where travel has become as common as a morning commute, it’s easy to forget that not too long ago, journeying to distant lands was a luxury afforded to a select few. While tourists and visitors have been bringing home souvenirs from their travels for millennia, the tourism keepsake industry had a turning point in the 20th century thanks to factors like mass production and the discovery of new materials like plastic.
Join the MINT Museum of Toys as we explore how the souvenir and keepsake industry blossomed after World War II and why these old mementoes still hold such significance today.
The Rise of the Mass-Produced Souvenir
For millennia, travelling for pleasure was an exclusive privilege enjoyed by the elite. Journeys could take weeks, months, or years, and only a fortunate few with the wealth and resources could venture beyond their hometowns or countries. This meant that keepsakes from far-off places were not just tokens but symbols of wealth, adventure, and cultural exposure. Luggage labels and other souvenirs were cherished mementoes of journeys that most people could only dream of taking.
However, the post-World War II era witnessed a remarkable shift in the international tourism industry. Aircraft and rail technology developments drastically cut travel time and cost, and computerised systems made flight and hotel bookings easier than ever before. Coupled with post-war economic booms, this finally made travel a viable option for middle- and working-class people.
Simultaneously, the souvenir, gift, and keepsake industry was receiving a boost from the proliferation of new materials (like plastic) and the globalisation of mass production. Attractions of all sizes could now offer visitors custom merchandise–serving as sentimental keepsakes and promotional material.
Today, you can find travel keepsakes in almost every size and price point. But beyond serving as home decor, there are plenty of reasons why travel keepsakes matter:
1. An eternal memory of a treasured trip
For many, a hotel label or a souvenir is more than just a piece of paper or a trinket. It’s a tangible reminder of a treasured journey, the places you visited, and the experiences you had. Holding such an item can instantly transport you back to a moment when you explored new horizons and made memories that would last a lifetime.
2. A historical artefact of places and times that no longer exist
Some of the most valuable travel keepsakes are those that harken back to places that have faded into history. For instance, Singapore boasts a rich tapestry of hotels with unique stories that are unfortunately no longer in operation, like the Adelphi Hotel, Station Hotel, and Cathay Hotel. Luggage labels, gifts, and trinkets from such establishments are not just souvenirs but relics from another era, offering a glimpse into Singapore’s past.
Interested in stepping into the Singapore of yesteryear? Pay a visit to the MINT Museum of Toys’ Level 2 Collectables exhibition to see even more vintage luggage tags and memorabilia!
Travel memorabilia can also be highly specific to the time and place they come from, serving as a time capsule for the past. Tea tins, spice boxes, and postcards, for example, were popular souvenirs during the British Raj. They were shipped globally due to interest in British India and depicted South Asian landscapes, people, and communities through an Anglicised lens. By looking at such historical toys and memorabilia from the British Raj, we can understand how certain groups of people were viewed and treated back then – and trace the impact of that till today.
3. A reflection of changes through time for places that do still exist
On the flip side, travel keepsakes also serve as fascinating markers of continuity. For example, the iconic Raffles Hotel in Singapore has stood the test of time and continues to be a symbol of elegance and luxury. Looking at how souvenirs from Raffles Hotel have changed over the years allows us to trace the evolution of this historic establishment and witness its enduring allure.
Call them kitschy or overrated, but travel souvenirs, including hotel gifts and mementoes, will always hold a unique place in our hearts and history. They are not mere trinkets; they are windows into the past, carriers of memories, and connections to the places and experiences that have shaped our lives. So, the next time you stumble upon an old luggage label or a faded souvenir, take a moment to appreciate the rich history it represents and the countless stories it holds.
P.S. If you’re a collector or toy enthusiast with their own time capsule of memorabilia they want to show off, get in touch with our team about booking our pop-up spaces and bar space for rent to host your own mini exhibition!
As the Singapore F1 Grand Prix draws near, it’s the perfect time to journey through the captivating world of vintage toy cars. Here at the MINT Museum of Toys, we’re steering you down memory lane with a fascinating collection that echoes the roaring engines and sleek designs of iconic Grand Prix racing cars in their heyday. Buckle up because we’re diving into the history of toy cars, from their inception to their modern-day charm.
The Evolution of Toy Cars: From Play to Passion
Toy cars have been a staple in the world of play for decades, captivating the hearts of both children and adults. Post World War II, two distinct trends emerged: die-cast toy cars and plastic toy cars.
Company: Corgi Mettoy Playcraft Ltd
Year of Make: 1960s
Material: Metal, Rubber
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Among the two trends, die-cast toy cars like this British Racing Motors Grand Prix Racing Car held a special place due to their meticulous craftsmanship and lifelike design. Crafted with metal alloys and painstaking attention to detail, these miniature marvels offered an exquisite representation of their real-life counterparts. The die-casting process allowed for intricate features such as working wheels, realistic paint finishes, and even functional components like opening doors. These minute details didn’t merely replicate the appearance of actual vehicles; they encapsulated the essence of automotive artistry.
Read More: The Story of Philip Ullmann: Jewish Refugee Turned Die-Cast Powerhouse
Collectors and enthusiasts were drawn to die-cast cars for their authenticity, often mirroring the models that raced through history or graced the streets. Every curve, every emblem, and every shade of paint seemed to carry a piece of automotive legacy, bringing forth a tangible connection to the world of automobiles.
Company: Popy
Year of Make: 1970s
Materials: Plastic, Rubber
Country: Japan
In tandem with die-cast cars, the surge in popularity of plastic toy cars created an accessible avenue for play and exploration. Plastic, a versatile and affordable material, allowed toy manufacturers to experiment with shapes, sizes, and designs like never before. The result was an explosion of creativity, giving birth to an array of cars that spanned eras, genres, and even realms of fantasy like this Astro Boy Ferrari Sigma Grand Prix Show Car. In it, the fictional character Astro Boy sits in a replica of the late 1960s Formula 1 Ferrari Sigma Grand Prix show car, complete with a single-seater open cockpit and a spoiler mounted above the driver. The car was originally designed as a show car rather than for mass production, and introduced then-new and innovative safety features to the racing world.
Company: Trademark Side View Sea Creature
Year of Make: 1970s
Materials: Plastic
Country: Hong Kong
Plastic toy cars like this McLaren M23 Texaco Grand Prix Racing Car weren’t just playthings; they became vessels for storytelling, imagination, and interaction. Children could embark on journeys across imaginary landscapes, their cars navigating uncharted territories of bedroom floors and sandbox terrains. The affordability of plastic cars also democratised play, ensuring that the joy of collecting and racing was accessible to a wider audience.
Read More: Celluloid Dreams: The Advent of Mass-Produced Plastic Toys
Enjoy a Timeless Tribute to Grand Prix Racing Cars
Racing enthusiasts, young and old, can now revel in our limited-time guided tour programme, “Grand Prix Racing Cars from 1950s – 1970s Guided Tour.” Taking place from 8th to 17th September 2023, immerse yourself in the glory days of motorsport as we showcase rare and vintage toy cars inspired by legendary Grand Prix racing vehicles. Fuel your passion for vintage toy cars and exhilarating Grand Prix history with a 30-minute guided tour and an ice-cold draft beer – on us with the purchase of a pop-up entry ticket!
As we rev up for the F1 race in Singapore, MINT Museum of Toys celebrates the allure of vintage toy cars, combining nostalgia, education, and excitement on wheels. Join us to explore this unique fusion of craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless charm. Get your engines running, and let the journey begin!
Passionate about a topic or collection and want to share your interest with the world? Get in touch for more information on our private event spaces for pop-ups, private parties, photoshoots, and more!