Code: 11202
Dimensions:
A Vintage ‘Worcester Ware’ Waste Paper Bin,
With a Country Shooting Image after Benjamin Marshall’s “The Sportsman”
Tin Plate, Lithographically Printed
Metal Box Co Ltd
Worcester, England
Circa 1960
Measures:-
30.5 cm high x 22.5 cm deep x 22.50cm wide
A tapering octagonal waste paper bin by 'Worcester Ware', raised on four ball-shaped gold painted wooden feet. Two sides bearing an image after Benjamin Marshall’s “The Sportsman” (a portrait of the sporting books publisher Thomas Gosden originally painted in the 1800's), two sides bearing the picture of an angler after an unidentified 19th century painting from a similar era (possibly by Carle Vernet). "Worcester Ware / Made in England" mark stamped to the inside bottom.
'Worcester Ware' was a trademark of The Metal Box Company Limited and was based at the 'Providence Works', Providence Street, Worcester. The factory was originally founded in the 1850's as a sheet metal works, tin box manufactury and cannery by the Irish tinsmith, William Blizzard Williamson.
In the early 1950's, rather than simply continuing to make metal packaging for other retailers, The Metal Box Co Ltd diversified into their own range of boldly designed lithographed aluminium and tinplated items, under the 'Worcester Ware' brand. They made fancy goods, tin trays, placemats and various products for household and kitchen storage. They exhibited these at the 'Festival of Britain' in 1951. They were appointed 'Suppliers of Domestic Hardware' by His Majesty King George VI. 'Worcester Ware' continued to make lithographed tin plate items throughout the 1950's and 60's but increased production costs and competition from the far east eventually brought an end to production and the factory was demolished in November 1970.
