The torch will be a central exhibit in the proposed V&A touring show of Olympic Games posters, which will also feature a special focus on the London 1948 Games. Athletes brought their own sandwiches to eat and the British team were instructed to make their own uniforms. Known as 'the austere games', the Olympics that year were a low key affair compared to the preparations which will precede 2012. Much of London was still in ruins, and rationing was still in place. The 1948 London games were the first to follow the Second World War. Each torch had to burn for at least fifteen minutes. The fuel was supplied in tablet form and inserted into a steel burner perforated with holes to protect the flame from strong winds.

They weighed just less than a kilogram and were made from aluminium. The torches had to be lightweight, as each runner carried them for about one kilometre. The government's Fuel Research Station oversaw practical considerations, such as the cost, materials and fuel. Lavers was interested in classical architecture and archaeology and his design was successful enough to be used again for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. The British Olympic Committee wanted the torch to be 'a good example of British craftsmanship' and chose architect Ralph Lavers to design it. The V&A has recently acquired this torch from the 1948 London Olympics, which is thought to have been used on the Belgium leg of its trip across Europe. The bearers are usually allowed to keep them as a souvenir. The torches are carried by amateur athletes who each complete a leg bearing the flame on its journey from Olympia in Greece to the Olympic site. The lighting of the flame at the opening ceremony marks the start of the Olympic Games.

Barcelona - Barcelona hosted the Summer Games in 1992.Olympic Torch, Ralph Lavers, 1947, aluminium torch holder, steel burner.

Sydney - The 2000 Summer Games happened here.

London - London held the 2012 Summer Games.

Sochi - These Winter Games took place in 2014.

Some common events that may have products are: If you would like to collect things that celebrate a particular year of the Games, you may be able to refine your search to that year.

Photos and postcards - These memorabilia may have scenery from a teams home country or from the country where the event was held.ДЄre products from particular Olympic Games available?.

Shirts and sweatshirts - These items usually feature country or team colors and the year of the event.

Flags - You may be able to purchase flags from various countries that compete in the Games or items that feature these flags.

Hats - Hats may include the colorful Olympic rings, text denoting a particular year, or graphics depicting a specific sport.

Some common items you might find during your search are: You may be able to buy personalized accessories to showcase the team, sport, or historic Olympic flame graphics. Manufacturers produce a variety of clothing items for the Olympics for both the athletes and the fans. Image caption, The Olympic torch relay will visit Stonehenge on.

What types of clothing and accessories are available? London 2012: Olympic torch relay to visit Stonehenge. You can also find memorabilia commemorating the Olympic torch relay. Some common sports you might discover during your search include gymnastics, equestrian, handball, taekwondo, speed and figure skating, and hockey. Many sports that compete at the Olympics feature clothing that is specific to that sport. If you are interested in collecting affordable Olympics accessories dedicated to a particular sport, you may be able to use eBay to find items from that sport that feature the Olympic flame. Can you find items from different sports?

If youre shopping for memorabilia from the Olympics, youll find new and vintage Olympic Torch items from various events on eBay. This relay continues until the cauldron is lit at the Olympic Games. Several months prior to the start of the Olympics, officials in Greece light the Olympic torch to signal the beginning of the Olympic torch relay. Outfit Yourself With Clothing and Accessories Featuring the Olympic Torch

London olympic torch