Brian's exhibition
A selection of Brian and Barbara's old grocery wares and toys was on show in the National Museum's Hall 8−21 January 2007.This slideshow highlights some of Brian's favourite pieces.
J.C.Hutton's framed poster
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Photo: Dragi Markovic.
| Advertising J.C.Hutton's Celebrated Pineapple Brand Hams & Bacon, Brian said this was the oldest piece in his extensive collection. He dates it in the 1880s, since a friend found it behind a framed photograph, which was dated 1888. Brian's collection also includes an enamel sign advertising Hutton's distinctive wares.
Dainty Maid vanilla custard powder
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Photo: Dragi Markovic.
| This one-pound tin proudly proclaims to be 'Artificially coloured & flavoured' at a time when custard desserts were fairly standard Australian fare. 'I like the look of the old tins, which you don't see much anymore', Brian said. 'The designs are so much better than the plain packaging you see today. You also don't get the variety anymore: custard just doesn't seem as popular as it once was.'
Arab Brand vanilla custard powder
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Photo: Dragi Markovic.
| Described as 'A superior table delicacy with or without stewed or preserved fruit', this Arab powder was distributed in Australia by Wilkinson & Co of Adelaide and Broken Hill.
Glider Quoits box
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Photo: Dean McNicoll.
| Brian's collection includes many empty packages advertising wares from days gone by. He suspects this box of quoits, made in Australia by Winna, is from the 1930s. 'There's nothing inside this box but then it's the packaging that's often the most valuable thing', Brian said. "A box in good condition can sometimes double or triple the price.'
Texan novelty hair oil bottle
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Photo: Dean McNicoll.
| Another of Brian's favourites, he thinks this Texan Greaseless Hair Dressing' novelty hair oil bottle is probably from the 1970s, judging by the moulded plastic lid. 'It's a little beauty I think I picked up in a box of rubbish at a sale', Brian said. 'Picking up boxes of sundries at sales often turns up a gem or two.'
Parson's Flaked Oatmeal box
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Photo: Dean McNicoll.
| Brian can't put a date on this two-pound cardboard box, but suspects it's quite old. Note the wood block inside that helps the damaged box to retain its shape.
