The Marks In Time Exhibition

Specialties

The Marks in Time Exhibition at the M&S Company Archive celebrates the role that Marks & Spencer has played in peoples’ lives for over 128 years. Here, you can explore the development and impact M&S has had on the social history of Britain. From boardroom battles to staff welfare, from puddings to pants, the exhibition explores how M&S has led the way in innovation, quality and service.

Featuring unique artefacts, historic garments and films and photographs from the Archive, the exhibition tracks the journey from market stall to Penny Bazaar to international retailer. M&S is woven into the fabric of the UK — from the clothes we wear to the food we eat. Which of your M&S favourites will you discover?

Exhibition features;

— Browse through Employee magazines — from 1930s to present day

— Interactive exhibits — watch our cinema adverts from the 1950s

— Hands-​on activities — cash up using our original penny bazaar till

— Children’s Zone — dressing up, games and toys

History

Established in 1884.

M&S has a long and fascinating history. The M&S Company Archive exists to collect, preserve and share this history.

Since 1984, our centenary year, Company Archivists have been caring for our collection (which amounts to over 70,000 objects). In 2012 the Marks in Time Exhibition opened at the purpose-​built Michael Marks Building to open the collection up to visitors and researchers.

We now have busy Schools and Events Programmes, as well as refreshing our permanent exhibition every three months to ensure that there’s always something new to see and do. The collection can be accessed for research in our Reading Room by appointment. Please see our website for more details.