Object number
81/162
Exhibition
Creator
Description
Cardboard box for the marketing and distribution of seeds from Sutton's Seeds Ltd. The box dates from between 1948 and 1976.
This is a cardboard box for the marketing and distribution of seeds from Sutton's Seeds Ltd. It bears the writing 'Sutton's Seeds from Reading' on the side. On the underside is printed, 'Certificate This case complies with the requirements of the packing regulations of British Railways. Weight of contents not to exceed 30lb.' and 'Fibevite packing case Thames Board Mills Ltd'. The box dates from between 1948, when British Railways was founded, and October 1976 when Suttons Seeds Ltd. moved from Reading to Torquay.
Physical description
1 box: cardboard; fair condition.
Label Text
From local to global // In the nineteenth century, Reading was home to several major industries. Suttons Seeds grew from a local shop into a global firm. In 1912 they established a Calcutta branch, from which they developed and grew seed for the UK and Indian markets. // Indian independence came in 1947 but colonial structures persisted. The last British Managing Director of the Calcutta branch was given this sign and silver salver when he retired in 1972. // Suttons and Sons (India) broke away from the parent company. It still trades out of Kolkata today. // MERL 2019/50-/51, 2007/28, 81/162.Ron [Butler]’s career with Sutton’s Seeds saw him travel to many different parts of the world. The company’s reach is shown by tins for products ‘in use throughout the world’ and the globe in the logo. // One office was based in India. This sign was given to the Museum by a colleague of Ron’s called John Hodges, who managed the Calcutta branch. It is shown alongside a silver salver presented to John when he retired in 1972. In a recent interview for the Museum, Ron spoke about these objects and about the international work that he did. // MERL 2019/50-/51, 2007/28, 81/162.
Archival history
NB. Check Classification, MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'Standard museum name: Box // Accession number: 81/162 // Classification: Marketing // Negative number: // Acquisition method: Gift // Acquired from, date: Suttons Seeds Ltd. Reading, 1976 // Store: Small objects // Condition: Fair // Recorder, date: DJE, 3.12.1981// Description: Cardboard box with 'Sutton's Seeds from Reading' on side. Underneath is printed, 'Certificate This case complies with the requirements of the packing regulations of British Railways. Weight of contents not to exceed 30lb.' and 'Fibevite packing case Thames Board Mills Ltd.' // Dimensions: 20cms x 24cms x 30.5cms. // Associated information: This box dates from between 1948 (formation of British Railways) and Oct. 1976 when Suttons Seeds left Reading for Torquay. // References:'
Production place
Reading
Production date
1948 - 1976-10
Object name
Material
Technique
Associated subject
