This is a souvenir of the British Empire Exhibition of 1925. This exhibition, designed to showcase the industrial and natural resources of the countries in the British Empire was on a 216 acre site at Wembley, England. In 1923 the Wembley Stadium was completed and the F.A. Cup Final was held there. In 1924 the Exhibition was opened by King George V in a first ever radio broadcast by a British monarch. There were Palaces of Industry, Engineering, Horticulture and Art and Pavilions housing exhibits from most countries in the British Empire. 17 million people visited in 1923 and there were 11 million visitors in 1925 when the exhibiton was re-developed. Wembley Stadium was reconstructed in 2002. This item has no local provenance but is of some interest because of its connection to the British Empire Exhibition of 1925. It is a good example of the type of souvenir that was bought by visitors to the Exhibition. This is an enamelled metal container, circular (octagonal on the outside edges) in shape with a short handle. The central area is slightly recessed to take a small amount of rouge (a red powder compound for the face, usually the cheeks). A pad to apply the rouge to the face is missing. There is a metal hinged lid with a clip and a small ring at the end of the handle, possibly to contain a chain for it to hang around the neck. The wording on the front is black on a blue and green enamelled backgroundRaised image of a lion with the words underneath ‘British Empire Exhibition, 1925’rouge holder, british empire exhibition 1925

The British Empire Exhibition at Wembley Park ran for two years from 1924 to 1925. It was designed to strengthen the bonds of Empire, stimulate trade and demonstrate British achievements in industry and commerce. The exhibition made Wembley a household name and the 1923 FA cup was held at the newly completed Wembley Stadium. 56 of the 58 'territories' that comprised the Commonwealth attended the exhibition which attracted 27 million visitors and was the largest ever staged.British white ensign with the Union Flag in the top 1st quarter; South African coat of arms in the 2nd quarter; Royal Coat of Arms in bottom 3rd quarter and Australian Coat of Arms (very early) in bottom 4th quarter. In the centre of the flag is the 'Star Of India'.australia, flag, british ensign, south africa, royal coat of arms, australian coat of arms, british empire exhibition, star of india