1x12 boxes, in pack, of Fennings Little Healers, cost 1/6d, by Alfred Fennings, 1940-1970

Fennings’ Celebrated Little Healers were advertised as “the remedy for coughs, colds, bronchitis and influenza”. Each box of twelve cost 1 shilling and 6 pence.

Alfred Fennings (d. 1900) opened his first shop in 1840 in London. Highly adept at advertising and marketing, he went on to create a very successful business. He produced a range of products which became popular ‘over the counter’ medicines bought by generations of shoppers. Although Fennings’ little healers are still sold today, some of his earlier claims – including a cure for cholera – were highly dubious. On his death, trustees took over the running of the business and the profits went to a children’s charity.