From 1953 beer to royal syrup, British collector charts coronation brands

Founder of Museum of Brands, Robert Opie, poses with a special edition of the 'Radio Times' from 1953, to mark the coronation of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, which forms part of his huge collection of artefacts, consumer items and souvenirs on display at the museum in London. Photo: Reuters

Robert Opie has a unique way of documenting coronations: the 76-year-old has been gathering consumer products with a royal theme since the late Queen Elizabeth was crowned in 1953, when his school held a scrapbook competition.

The six-year-old Opie's compilation of bread wrappers, milk bottle tops and pictures from magazines won first prize.