Biscuit tin
Biscuit tins are utilitarian or decorative containers used to package and sell biscuits (such as those served during tea) and some confectionery. Invented by Huntley & Palmers in 1831,[1] they are commonly found in households in Great Britain, Ireland, and Commonwealth countries,[2] but also in continental Europe and French Canada. Popularity in the United States and English Canada spread later in the 20th century. Over 60% of UK households own a biscuit tin.[3]
Because of their attractive appearance, biscuit tins have often been used by charities and by some visitor attractions as fundraising devices since many customers will happily pay more for a tin of biscuits than it is worth.[4][5]
History
Biscuit tins are
The British biscuit tin came about when the Licensed Grocer's Act 1861[dubious ] allowed groceries to be individually packaged and sold. Coinciding with the removal of the duty on paper for printed labels, printing directly on to tinplate became common. The new process of offset lithography, patented in 1877, allowed multicoloured designs to be printed onto elaborately shaped tins.
The decorative biscuit tin was invented by
The most exotic designs were produced in the early years of the 20th century, just prior to the First World War. In the 1920s and 1930s, costs had risen substantially and the design of biscuit tins tended to be more conservative, with the exception of the tins targeted at the Christmas market and intended to appeal primarily to children. The designs generally reflected popular interests and tastes.
The advent of the Second World War stopped all production of decorative tin ware and after it ended in 1945, the custom did not enjoy the same popularity as before.
Vintage biscuit tins can be found in various museums and on the market have become collector items.
Works of art for the home
Biscuit tins have always been more than just containers. The manufacturers aimed to make products which would be enjoyed beyond the life span of the biscuits themselves.
Tins shaped like actual objects began to be made in the late 1890s. The earlier tins were shaped like baskets but gradually a whole range of fine art objects appeared. Biscuit tins were no longer aimed merely at children at the Christmas market. They had become useful and decorative parts of the middle class home.
Replicas of Chinese vases could be used as such when the biscuits had been eaten. Boxes imitating porcelain, Wedgwood china or fine wooden boxes mimicked the wonderful objects found in grand houses or in museums.
The
Shop biscuit tins
British biscuit manufacturers supplied grocer's shops with biscuits packed into large tins, typically containing seven pounds (3.2 kilogrammes). These would be displayed in the shop, and the shopkeeper would weigh out the required amount of biscuits into a paper bag for each customer. Some tins had a glass panel in the lid, so that customers could see the biscuits inside.[7]
See also
- Decorative box
- Can collecting
- Ground biscuit, ground form of biscuit
- Cookie jar
- Rich tea, an early form of biscuit
- Tea caddy
- Tin box
- Steel and tin cans
References
- ^ a b "History Cook: the rise of the chocolate biscuit". Financial Times. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
- ^ "Identifying your Biscuit Tin". Thamespilot.org.uk. Retrieved 7 January 2014.
- ^ "National biscuit day: 28 things you might not know about McVitie's". Scotsman. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
- ^ "Ooops! | Dogs Trust Charity Gift Shop". dogstrustgifts.com. Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
- ^ "Guide Biscuits 2013 — GirlGuiding New Zealand | Pippins, Brownies, Guides, Rangers, Leaders, Volunteers". Girlguidingnz.org.nz. 1 March 2013. Archived from the original on 23 February 2013. Retrieved 7 January 2014.
- ISBN 978-0-470-08704-6.
- ^ "Vintage 1950s Huntley & Palmers Shop Biscuit Tin". www.skinnerandhyde.co.uk. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 29 November 2013.
Further reading
- Doctor, Vikram (11 April 2015). "The past and possible future of tin cans". The Times of India. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
External links
Media related to Biscuit tins at Wikimedia Commons