Barclay, Perkins & Co. Ltd Oval Black Backed Steel

Barclay, Perkins & Co. Ltd black backed steel tray dating from the 1910s. The Anchor Brewery was established in 1616. The historical list of brewers include, the brewery's founders, the Monger family 1616-1670, Joseph Child 1670-1693, Edmund Halsey M.P. from 1693-1729, Ralph Thrale 1729-1758, Henry Thrale 1758-1781. The Thrale's friendship with writer Dr Samuel Johnson was the reason his figurehead was later used as the Company's trademark. In 1781 Robert Barclay and John Perkins acquired the Anchor Brewery and traded as Barclay Perkins & Co. becoming the 'largest brewery in the world' by 1809. The brewery exclusively produced porter until 1834 when it began to brew pale ale. The Anchor Brewery was rebuilt in 1832 after a serious fire. The Company was registered as Barclay, Perkins & Co. Ltd in 1896. Barclay Perkins was an early adopter of lager and this was added to its range of beers in 1922. The Anchor Brewery merged with Courage & Co. Ltd in 1955 to form Courage & Barclay Ltd. Brewing, other than lager, ceased in 1958 when the site was rebuilt as a bottling plant, although lager continued to be brewed until 1963. Courage & Barclay Ltd merged with H. & G.Simonds Ltd in 1960 becoming Courage, Barclay, Simonds & Co. Ltd. Shortly after the Company name was simplified to Courage Ltd in 1970, the Anchor Brewery closed and was eventually demolished in 1981. The tray displayed uncovers a very sad story. When I first purchased this tray the picture wasn't great but it was at least displayable. Over the years the condition got worse until the picture had completely faded and I had to throw it away. I would dearly love to find another example if anyone can help.