Every year, Huntley & Palmers would produce new tin designs and the Christmas market was the main focus of these activities. Christmas tins were sold in their own right as desirable items and the rival biscuit firms would compete to produce the most fancy tins.
1906
In 1906 the Christmas tins were Pillar Box, Plates, Globe, Oblong Basket, Viking and Marquetry. (REDMG : 1994.21.6)
1908
This 1908 sheet has a traditional Christmas design with holly and snow. The tins available were Embroidery, Sylvan vase, Nasturtium, Satchel, Casket (Japanese), Stationery case and Harvest. (REDMG : 1994.23.80)
1913
In 1913 the Christmas tins were King Wenceslas, Camera, Glove Box, Screen, East & West, Sundial, Casket (Peacock), Garden Roller and Jewel Case. The Jewel Case is marked as being 'sold out'. (REDMG : 1994.21.18)
1925
In 1925 the Christmas tins were Motor Van, Book, Biscuit Box, Bird, Lacquer, Sandalwood, Windmill, Attaché Case and Engine. (REDMG : 1994.21.31)
1927 Tins
This page shows the Maplewood Casket, Tank Tin, Fruit Basket, Kitchen Range and Holiday Haunts decorative tins. (REDMG : 1994.21.42)
1939
Despite the outbreak of the Second World War, there is an impression of plentiful supplies and business as usual from this catalogue. In fact rationing was introduced in January 1940 and biscuit manufacturers' supplies were cut by 60%. (REDMG : 1994.21.10
1940
Huntley & Palmers continued to produce biscuits and cakes for the export market during the Second World War, despite rationing and ingredient shortages. Forty-six types of tin were available in this catalogue. (REDMG : 1994.21.114a)
1956
These pages from the 1956 catalogue show a range of cocktail biscuits and nibbles suitable for drinks parties and entertaining. (REDMG : 1994.21.139)
1958
This catalogue is typical of 1950s design with its bold bubblegum colour and sense of fun, reflecting post-war consumer confidence. It marks a clear departure from the glamorous gold and silver covers of the interwar period. (REDMG : 1994.21.152)
1980
Probably destined for the export market, this catalogue shows the changes in design occurring in the late twentieth century. With its clashing colours, the cover reflects the move away from illustrated designs towards photography. (REDMG : 1994.21.283)
The next section explores tin production in the early twentieth century.
