#CityOf1000Trades
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theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades In 1837, Alfred Bird invented Bird’s Custard Powder in Birmingham. The Custard Factory complex was originally constructed for Alfred’s son - also Alfred. Birds moved to Banbury in 1964. This poster dates from 1930. Reference: MS 514, Box 6 #LibraryofBham
A colour poster. Title at the top of the poster is 'Something To Sing About!' Beneath this, colour cartoon figures of three birds in a row, one in front of the other. Their mouths open with two long and thin lines emanating suggesting the volume of sound. Infront a glass receptacle containing yellow liquid. Beneath this, the following text - BIRD'S is the nutritious custard. Remember this when you buy.
February 12, 2026 at 8:01 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades today is this advert for Abigail’s restaurant club - does anyone remember dining there? Apparently named after Edward Fewtrell’s youngest daughter. In 1978, it was sold and turned into a casino. Ref: L 83.3, Brum Book #LibraryofBham
An advert for Abigail’s theatre restaurant club. The name Abigails appears inside a lozenge at the top of the page - an ornate flourish to the design of the writing of the name. Beneath this are the words theatre restaurant club. Promotional blurb below this and location and contact details at the bottom of the page.
February 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades today is this trade card for the Pine Dell Hydropathic swimming baths including those of the Russian and Turkish variety. Opened c1889 and located on the site of the Spring Hill Congregational College. Ref - MS 4834/1305A #LibraryofBham
A trade card - text at the top of the card reads - Pine Dell Hydropathic Establishment. Details of the services provided on the top left of the card. An illustration of the building in the top centre. Beneath this, details of the location of the establishment. Bottom half of the card is occupied with details of the services provided and their respective charges.
January 31, 2026 at 11:01 AM
mikeyashworth.bsky.social
@theironroom.bsky.social The City of a Thousand Trades - hints of Soviet realism on the cover of this c.1935 booklet issued by the Corporation of Birmingham. What could be more appropriate for your #CityOf1000Trades #birmingham #1930s #graphicdesign

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What a cracker this front cover is - and the title page continues to deliver - "Made in Birmingham - the hub of industrial England". Detailing the grimy manufacturing of the city this booklet, definitely mid-1930s, was issued by the City of Birmingham Information Office. That aside its a great cover, very of its era in terms of commercial art and with an interesting take on the city's 'coat of arms'. The title - Birmingham - is in red next to the shield of the coat of arms and runs across the lower edge. The text "the city of a thousand trades" iis ranged along the upper and right edge. The page is dominated by a shadowy blacksmith against a cog wheel, symbolising heavy industry, on a yellow/orange/red background that constrasts with the city skyline - the silhoutee includes the Town Hall, City Chambers and University Clock Tower.
January 24, 2026 at 12:07 PM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades today is this advert for the healthy goodness of Ridler's flagon cider. Ref - L 08.2 Periodicals E/4 (288884) Ebenezer Magazine, 1920 #LibraryofBham
An advert for Ridler’s flagon cider. Drawing of an apple with the smiling face of a male figure in the top left of the illustration. Details beneath this about the cider and the location of the company. A drawing of a bottle of the cider in the top right.
January 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades today is this 19th century colour trade catalogue for Reuben Heaton & Sons - Salmon and Trout Reel Makers located at 7, 9 & 10 Hospital Street, Birmingham. Ref - LS 10/H/192/14 #LibraryofBham
Colour illustration. Two male figures in Victorian dress standing in a boat on a river. The male figure on the left is holding a fishing rod and the figure on the right a fishing net. In the background is a mountain range with a bridge across the river. Text above the image reads - Reuben Heaton. Text below the image reads - Salmon and Trout Reel Maker, Hospital Street, Birmingham.
January 17, 2026 at 10:15 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades today is this trade card for Edward B Lovell, 134 New Street - agent of the Norwich Union Fire & Life Insurance company. The firm was founded in 1797. Ref - MS 4834/848 #LibraryofBham #AvivaUK
A trade card illustration. Legend at the top reads Norwich Union Fire & Life Insurance company established in 1797. Drawing of the precursor of the fire engine - a pumping engine on a cart. Plaques on the side of the cart advertising the services of the company. Two male figures on either side of the vehicle wearing waders and holding contraptions used in extinguishing fire. Hoses on the ground by the side of each figure. Text at the bottom of the illustration identifies Edward B Lovell, 134 New Street as the agent.
January 10, 2026 at 10:15 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades today is this advertisement design for H.P. Pope - a firm of printers who at the time were based on Suffolk Street. They had also occupied premises on New Street. Ref - L 08.2 Periodicals C/4 (512688) #LibraryofBham
An illustration of a four-storey edifice on a high street - facia at the very top reads H.P. Pope Ltd. The building is art deco in style. Text beneath the illustration reads – A Design from the Press of H.P. Pope Ltd., craftsmen in printing and advertising. A border surrounds the illustration and accompanying text.
January 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades is this trade card for B. Day and their chimney ornament patent. Day’s manufactory located on Snow Hill specialised in producing what was referred to as Birmingham Gothic ware - designs loosely based on elements of Gothic design. Ref - MS 4834/858 #LibraryofBham
A trade card. Text and graphics contained inside a circle. The words - By his Majesty’s royal letters patent at the very top and the royal coat of arms beneath it. Below this, more text relating to the company, its location and services.
December 27, 2025 at 10:15 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#Cityof1000Trades Salt & Son Ltd specialised in making artificial limbs. The company’s first premises appear to have been at Bull Street in the 1860s. This image is taken from a trade catalogue when the business was based at Cherry Street. Ref: LS 10/S/8 #LibraryofBham
Text at the top of the page - Salt’s Standard Wooden Legs. Text just below on the left of the page highlighting particular features with the artificial legs. Two diagrams of artificial legs. The first on the top right of the page shows the leg bent at the knee. This is labelled as Fig A. The second diagram in the bottom left of the page shows the leg in a standing position and is labelled Fig B. Prices are show in the mid to bottom right of the page.
December 20, 2025 at 10:01 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades This trade card for T.R. Platt, Ornamental Artist in Hair based at 40, Dale End who appeared in trade directories in the early 1850s. Who wouldn’t want a private apartment for hair cutting? Ref: MS 4834/602 #LibraryofBham
Illustration. An ornamental square border runs around the card. Female bust on the left and male on the right. Both typical of the style and dress of the early Victorian period – the woman has bunched ringlets covering her ears and a plait on her crown. The man has coiffured wavy hair and side whiskers. Text above the border reads – Hair Plaiting for Jewellers and the Trade. Text inside the border reads - T.R. Platt, Ornamental Artists in Hair, Hairdresser and Perfumer, No. 40, Dale End, Birmingham.
December 13, 2025 at 10:15 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades this week is this late 19th century trade card for Sylvester & Co, purveyors of warm ventilation located at the corner of Berkeley Street and Broad Street. Ref - MS 4834/859 #LibraryofBham
A trade card advertising Sylvester & Co, Engineers and manufacturers of warming ventilation and cooking apparatus. A gothic typeface with flourishes on the S of Sylvester and E of Engineers.
December 6, 2025 at 10:01 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades Just how many times do you need to repeat the name of your company in an advertisement? We think this may be an advert for Starkey and Adcock from the1856 Birmingham Post Office Directory #LibraryofBham
A full-page advertisement for Starkey and Adcock. Year in the top left of the page is 1856 and the page number in the top right is 67. The royal coat of arms in the top centre of the page - lion on the left and unicorn on the right. Above the coat of arms, the name Starkey And Adcock. Text beneath the coat of arms explaining the services the company offers and the factory location at 37 Great Hampton Row.
November 29, 2025 at 10:15 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades Funny what you find when you least expect it – this advertisement for Cheatham's of Hindoo House, 22 New Street is included in the Illustrated Birmingham Times, no. 2, Sept 1854. Ref - LF 08.2 #LibraryofBham
An illustrated advertisement. The word Archery repeated three times across the top of the page. The words Wholesale and Retail beneath this. Then a paragraph of description explaining the wares sold. Beneath this, numerous line drawings of figures engaged in sporting events including cricket, fishing and archery. Beneath this, another paragraph detailing the goods sold by Cheetham’s. Then details of the shop’s location on New Street.
November 22, 2025 at 10:01 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades this 1900 advertisement for Albert C Neal. The company was first listed in the 1876 edition of the Furniture Gazette. Ref - L 08.2 Periodicals D5/ 229383 #LibraryofBham
An advertisement for Albert C Neal of the Viaduct Works, Oxford Street, Birmingham. Illustration of a folded mattress in the centre of the illustration. Details of services and the address of the premises beneath this.
November 15, 2025 at 10:15 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades Legg & Company of Bromsgrove Street in this 1900 advertisement of their Ball Room decorating service. They publicised their services as far as Wales and at one time made flags and banners. Ref - L 08.2 Periodicals D/5 / 229383 #LibraryofBham
An advertisement. Text at the top of the advert reads Legg & Company, public decorators, Bromsgrove Street, Birmingham. Beneath this, a list of their wares on the left and an illustration of a Victorian ballroom scene on the right. Below this, the words Ball Rooms in bold print and further details regards services.
November 8, 2025 at 10:15 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades this 1900 advert for R. Reppington of Worcester Street, purveyors of fish, game and rabbits who appear to have flourished in the late 19th century. Ref - L 08.2 Periodicals D/5 229383 #LibraryofBham
A flyer for R. Reppington. An illustration of the exterior of a shop front. Various signage on the front of the premises including R Reppington between the two sets of small windows above the entrance and R Reppington - fish, game and rabbits right above the doorway. The two front windows of the store at ground level are full of meats. Vehicles in the street outside the shop. The words Worcester Street at the bottom of the illustration.
November 1, 2025 at 10:15 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades this week is this advert for H Sanderson of Camden Street - purveyors of sparkling waters, giant syphons and delicious thirst-quenching drinks….Kola, Cycling Punch and a good glug of Vinky Stout. Ref: L 08.2 Periodicals D/11 - The Birmingham Pantomime annual, 1899 #LibraryofBham
An advertisement. Text at the top of the advert listing different types of drink. Beneath this, the words Giant Syphons in large print. Beneath this, text stating the name of the company - H Sanderson & Co and the locations of their premises. An illustration of a young female in resplendent Victorian costume including a billowing petticoat and bonnet. Beneath this, more text relating to different flavours of drink.
October 25, 2025 at 9:02 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades today is this advert for C. Green and Son of 10 Bull Ring who were manufactures of pugilist paraphernalia such as boxing gloves and punching balls as well as bags and purses. Ref - L 08.2 Periodicals D/11 (513710) The Birmingham Pantomime annual, 1899 #LibraryofBham
An advert for C. Green and Sons - text at the top of the page identifying this. Beneath this a line drawing of two figures sparring with boxing gloves. Text around the illustration highlights the goods sold by the retailer and charges. Beneath the illustration, further details regards the location of the establishment and other wares sold.
October 18, 2025 at 9:15 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades today is this trade card for Thomas Jones & Sons, manufacturers of horticultural buildings based at Bradford Street and Cheapside. Ref - MS 4834/1276 #LibraryofBham
An illustrated trade card. At the top of the card is a drawing of a large glasshouse with a domed roof. Beneath this is text identifying the services of Thomas Jones & Sons, manufacturers of horticultural buildings. To the left an illustration of a three paned glass window and a very ornate pair of French windows on the right. Beneath this, another line drawing of a large glasshouse.
October 11, 2025 at 10:01 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades today is this trade card for John Stokes, coal and coke dealer based in 1852 at the Old Wharf which at the time was a pivotal industrial site on Paradise Street for coal distribution from the 18th century onwards. Ref: MS 4834/1280 #LibraryofBham
An illustrated trade card. Text at the top of the card reads – Old Wharf, Birmingham. Beneath this is a line drawing of the exterior of a building. A central three storey block with two extensions with archways for vehicles and pedestrians on the left and right. Numerous horses and carts circling around the building. Beneath the illustration is text highlighting that John Stokes, coal and coke dealer operates from the premises.
October 4, 2025 at 10:01 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades Charles Reeves was operating from the Toledo Works, Charlotte Street from 1853 having previously been located in Bartholomew Street. The company’s swords won a prize at the 1851 Great Exhibition. Ref – The New Illustrated Directory (1858) LF 06 #LibraryofBham
A coloured illustration of the exterior of a factory. The front of the factory is in the immediate foreground of the illustration. A sign stating Toledo Works is above the entrance and another sign below the highest row of windows says Charles Reeves. Pedestrians walk past the front of the building, a horse and cart in the road by the entrance. Below the border of the illustration, the words - Charles Reeves. Behind the frontage of the building is a large courtyard on the right and a series of working huts on the left. Three chimneys in the background of the illustration marking the far border of the premises. Above the illustration of the factory is the insertion of a cartouche showing three figures engaged in shooting guns. The cartouche is supported by the artistic representation of the stems of a plant. Above this, the following words - Toledo Works. To the left of this, the words - Charlotte Street, Birmingham and to the right - Air Street, Piccadilly, London.
September 27, 2025 at 11:01 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades Established in Birmingham in 1807 by Thomas Osler. Success came in 1847 when a large pair of candelabra received a visit from Prince Albert. Ref - The New Illustrated Directory, 1858. LF 06 #LibraryofBham
An illustrated colour plate. The page is split into two sections, both of which are occupied by drawings of the frontage of manufactories. Text at the top of the page reads F & C Osler. Top illustration is labelled as 45 Oxford Street, London. Drawings show the grand frontage of the factory leading out on to the public highway. Bottom illustration is labelled as the Icknield Glassworks, Birmingham and shows a workshop environment with outbuildings leading down to a stretch of water in the immediate foreground of the illustration.
September 13, 2025 at 9:01 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades Bisset’s 1800 Poetic Survey Round Birmingham is one of the earliest examples of a trade directory. Read more about directories via our blog: theironroom.wordpress.com/2020/07/20/t... #LibraryofBham
Hand drawn illustration - an angelic figure in the top foreground holding a large scroll descending some distance to ground level - text at the top of the scroll reads – Bordesley & Deritend adjoining Birmingham. Below this, a list of merchants and proprietors. At the bottom of the scroll, pieces of manufactory including a barrel, wicker baskets and urns. Behind the scroll is the frontage of a large building. A church bell tower in the back right of the drawing.
September 6, 2025 at 9:15 AM
theironroom.bsky.social
#CityOf1000Trades The Victoria Works was opened in 1840 and chiefly employed young women in the manufacturing of steel pen nibs, making Gillott an extremely wealthy man. Ref - New Illustrated Directory (1856), LF 06 #LibraryofBham
Illustration of a factory. Top of the page is the royal crest - lion on the left and unicorn on the right. Around it the following text - pen maker to the Queen, Joseph Gillott. Beneath this, an illustration of a rectangular shaped building with high walls looking out onto the street. A spacious courtyard in the interior. Several chimney stacks are dispersed around the building with smoke billowing. Vehicles in front of the building in the bottom foreground of the image. The text below this read - Victoria Works, Graham Street, Birmingham. 37 Gracechurch Street, London and 91 John Street, New York.
August 30, 2025 at 9:15 AM