#fortnum mason

Platinum Jubilee collection by Design Bridge for Fortnum & Mason

A corgi sits at the heart of design, topped by a truck wheel – a gesture to the then Princess Elizabeth’s time as a truck driver and mechanic during WW2. They are surrounded by racing pigeons, racehorses, a pearl necklace, royal swans, and lily of the valley, her favourite flower, which was included in her wedding bouquet. The cabbage is a nod to Prince Philip’s nickname for the Queen. All these elements together form the Crown.

“[Bunter] was anxious about the arrangements—or the lack of them—at Talboys. He hoped everything would be found in good order when they arrived—otherwise, his lady and gentleman might get nothing to eat till goodness knew when. True, he had brought ample supplies from Fortnum’s, but suppose there were no knives or forks or plates available. He wished he could have gone ahead, as originally instructed, to see to things.”

Sayers, Dorothy L., Busman’s Honeymoon (1937), Chapter I. New-Wedded Lord.

Fortnum & Mason, colloquially Fortnum’s, is a British department store founded in 1707 and known for its provisions. Bunter would not have had to go far to stock up, as its main location at 181 Piccadilly would have been blocks from Lord Peter’s flat at 110A.

Image 1: Fortnum & Mason Piccadilly shop, decked out for the Jubilee of King George V in 1935. (x)

Images 2-3: Fortnum & Mason Potted Game jar, pre-1917. (x)

Image 4: Fortnum & Mason Stilton Cheese jar, post-1917. (x)

Image 5: Fortnum & Mason Caviar jar, circa 1930s. (x)