Presents from the Thames Tunnel

A museum display of Victorian souvenirs and keepsakes sold at the Thames Tunnel, including optical entertainments, drawn from the collection of Gill Howard.

This display explores the souvenir culture that grew up around the Thames Tunnel after its opening in March 1843, when two million people visited in the first year and shops and stalls lined the tunnel. Items were often inscribed 'A Present from the Thames Tunnel' and bought as gifts or mementos of a day trip. The exhibition presents a varied range of these souvenirs and keepsakes, from simple trinkets to luxury goods, alongside Victorian optical entertainments. Objects are drawn from the collection of Gill Howard.