-George VI Coronation Souvenir Money Box- still bank 1937

This George VI Coronation Souvenir Money Box was made by OXO, Ltd. in London, most likely in 1937, out of tinplate. The use of tinplate, a mass-produced material, suggests that this item was intended as an affordable commemorative object for a broad audience. The bright red color, royal insignia, and symbolic floral emblems are lithographed onto the surface, a printing technique which allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction. You can see how this contrasts with traditional craftsmanship, where each piece would have been individually made. The box’s utilitarian function as a money bank speaks to the economic conditions of the time, encouraging thriftiness in the face of economic uncertainty. Though simple, this commemorative money box reflects the social and economic forces that shaped its creation, reminding us that even everyday objects can offer insights into the relationship between mass production, consumer culture, and national identity.