Frederick Smith Ltd Rectangular Black Backed Steel

Frederick Smith Ltd black backed tray dating from the 1930s. Frederick Smith was only 21 years old when he started brewing. In 1880 he acquired the Victoria Brewery on Lichfield Road in Aston. Frederick expanded the business and in 1888 he purchased land and built a new larger Aston Model Brewery. In 1892 he also built a sizeable malthouse and was supplying an increasing pub estate. The Company and its Aston Model Brewery was registered in 1895 as Frederick Smith Ltd. Continued expansion of the Company included the purchase of more public houses, an extension to the brewery, and a new bottling plant, which was added in 1898. Again, the brewery was significantly improved in 1922 when new brewing equipment was installed and a fresh artisan well was sunk. The Aston Model Brewery was acquired by William Butler & Co. Ltd in 1955 and was closed in 1957.