Fridge magnets
The eight magnets to the right of the right-hand board were the PG Tips (tea) chimpanzees. They are probably the oldest fridge magnets we have, and must be from about the early 1980s. They are holograms, with different pictures depending on how you look at them. Unfortunately they are not in brilliant condition, having been battered over the years on the fridge door.
Here is their history ...
The Tipps family
In 1956, PG Tips began using anthropomorphic chimpanzees in their television advertisements. These were dressed in human clothes and were known as the 'Tipps family'. Their voices were often provided by celebrities, such as Peter Sellers and Bob Monkhouse. By 1958, PG Tips had risen from fourth to first place in the British tea market. The chimpanzees were from Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire.
These advertisements were stopped in the 1970s, after complaints by animal rights organisations. However, sales dropped, and the chimps were bought back 18 months later. The last 'Tipps family' advert was broadcast in January 2002. The PG Tips chimps spawned a spin off in memorabilia, including trading cards and figurines. And fridge magnets, which came with the tea.
Fridge magnets
The eight magnets to the right of the right-hand board were the PG Tips (tea) chimpanzees. They are probably the oldest fridge magnets we have, and must be from about the early 1980s. They are holograms, with different pictures depending on how you look at them. Unfortunately they are not in brilliant condition, having been battered over the years on the fridge door.
Here is their history ...
The Tipps family
In 1956, PG Tips began using anthropomorphic chimpanzees in their television advertisements. These were dressed in human clothes and were known as the 'Tipps family'. Their voices were often provided by celebrities, such as Peter Sellers and Bob Monkhouse. By 1958, PG Tips had risen from fourth to first place in the British tea market. The chimpanzees were from Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire.
These advertisements were stopped in the 1970s, after complaints by animal rights organisations. However, sales dropped, and the chimps were bought back 18 months later. The last 'Tipps family' advert was broadcast in January 2002. The PG Tips chimps spawned a spin off in memorabilia, including trading cards and figurines. And fridge magnets, which came with the tea.