2015/1/1-2

Farmhouse,

Boorne and Stevens Huntley (Manufacturer), Huntley and Palmers Limited (Manufacturer)

A Huntley and Palmers biscuit tin made by Huntley, Boorne and Stevens. The tin is in the shape of a farmhouse with a fold-away enclosure printed with a gate and wall (2015/1/1), and with a removable roof printed with tiles (2015/1/2). The entire tin is decorated with a nostalgic farming scene, featuring a wagon, animals, and other farm equipment and activity. This particular tin was produced and sold between 1931 and 1936. It was likely designed to function as both a biscuit container and a toy. It was acquired alongside a large collection of farm toys.

Biscuit tin in shape of a farm and farmhouse. Features a sloped, detachable lid in the shape of a roof and printed to give the appearance of tiling. Also features foldaway tin section designed to form an enclosure at front of farm and farmhouse. Tin and wall section are decorated with a rural scene, complete with printed figures, animals, and farm equipment.

Non-MERL text label – 'This tin was sold from 1931 to 1936 and, despite its simple design, the detail on the tin is excellent. It would have made a valued toy farm for many children. Peek Frean produced a 'Castle' tin in 1923 which featured a castellated tower and hinged panels which could be unfolded, and even joined with other similar tins, to create an elaborate toy castle. That tin, too, was made by Huntley, Boorne & Stevens. Perhaps this 'Farmhouse' tin was inspired by that earlier example?' [this text appears on the Huntley and Palmers Collection website: http://www.huntleyandpalmers.org.uk], MERL Miscellaneous note - This object is similar to REDMG : 1992.2.511, which is held within the Huntley and Palmers collection in Reading Museum. [print out from Reading Museum Collections Online website), MERL miscellaneous note - Julie Peverett collected this tin alongside other collections of rural jigsaw puzzles and farm toys.

Reading, Reading

1931-01-01 - 1936-12-31

Mid-twentieth century

Tin, biscuit, Toy, farm set, Model