Object number: AMHT-2018-891
Object Description: Green Wine Cooler
Object Type: Artefact
“Tis the season to be jolly” as they say, and what could be jollier than a festive beverage? In which case, you might be in need of this month’s Object in Focus – a portable wine cooler.
Thought to date from around 1990, these coolers were given as a Christmas gift to all Aston Martin Lagonda employees, and would have included a bottle of wine as well. This particular cooler was given to Ben Lovell during his apprenticeship at AML.
Measuring 37cm tall with a 13cm diameter, the outer green material has the wings logos of Aston Martin and Lagonda in silver. Unzip the top section, and the inner core is a dense polystyrene, now slightly discoloured over time and from previous use. A handy cotton webbing carrying strap and grey piping completes the top.
What makes it particularly Christmassy? Well, the sticker on the top of course. Two holly leaves with berries and the words “Happy Christmas from Victor Gauntlett”. Victor was Chairman of Aston Martin Lagonda from 1981 to 1991.
Prior to being given out, there must have been quite a sticker production line going on at the time. Our own Trustee and AML Historian Steve Waddingham recollects that one of his first jobs after joining AML was sitting in a warehouse at Newport Pagnell putting the stickers on the top of the cooler and a bottle of wine inside! I wonder what the wine of choice actually was….
On which note, I’m off for said festive beverage – perfectly cooled of course! Cheers!
