The Cockney Museum is an absolute gem of a museum. The brainchild of Pearly King of Peckham George Major, who is the curator, it opened just a year ago although George dreamed of creating such a place when he was just 20. It carefully documents the history of the Pearlies through George’s incredible collection of costumes, press cuttings and artefacts he has gathered over 60 years. As you walk through the museum’s street scenes, you learn so much about the lives of the Pearlies and their communities.
The Pearlies evolved from eighteenth-century coster kings and queens who shared their good fortunes with costermongers (street traders) who were struggling to make ends meet. The Pearlies sewed mother of pearl buttons onto their clothing as a cheeky nod to the strings of pearls worn by their wealthy West End patrons.
There continue to be several Pearly groups in London who are dedicated to raising money for London-based charities.
The Cockney Museum is located in Stoneleigh which is just 45 minutes away by underground and train, or an hour by car.