Salt & Co mirror
Many of the items in the National Brewery Collection are original items from pubs, designed by brewing companies to promote their beer ranges. Among the many items of glassware, pub games, ashtrays and signs, the Collection includes a large pub mirror produced for Salt & Co.
The Salt mirror was originally hung in the Edwardian bar of the National Brewery Centre and features a beautiful image of foxgloves, a heron and water lilies. It is a highly decorative piece, created by specialist craftsman. The decoration was applied on the reverse, the detail was put on before the body of colours and then the mirror was “silvered”.
Thomas Salt worked in Burton upon Trent, employed by Joseph Clay & Son as a maltster and as manager of their breweries. He established his own brewery in the High Street around 1800. The firm was acquired by Bass, Ratcliff & Gretton Ltd in 1927 and brewing ceased.
The mirror is not dated, but the style and the location suggests that it is from the early 20th century. As we develop plans for the new brewing experience we will look to ensure that many of these beautifully crafted items take pride of place.
