The 1951 Festival of Britain was a monumental event designed to lift the spirits of a nation still recovering from World War II and enduring austerity. As a celebration of British industry, design, and culture, it naturally spawned a wide array of souvenirs and memorabilia. Among these keepsakes were Festival of Britain shot glasses.
These shot glasses were intended as mementos for the millions of visitors who flocked to the main South Bank exhibition in London and other events across the country. They served as a tangible reminder of this optimistic and forward-looking event.
This clear, moulded glass features the Festival of Britain Logo, an iconic emblem, designed by Abram Games which depicts Britannia's head with a crested helmet on the north point of a four-pointed compass rose coloured red, white and blue. The glass features a flawless, gold leaf rim, adding a touch of elegance in those austere years.
These shot glasses, though small, offer a glimpse into a time when Britain was looking towards a brighter future, celebrating its ingenuity and cultural vibrancy after years of hardship and are sought after by collectors of mid-century vintage glasswear, Festival of Britain memorabilia and enthusiasts of British History.

