Rare collection of vintage pub posters found
The Tavern Topics posters were produced by British artist Clive Uptton, who worked as a political cartoonist during the Second World War, and is best known for illustrating the classic series of Ladybird children’s books published in the 1960s.
A series of 20 posters was commissioned during the early 1950s by The Brewers’ Society to promote beer and pubs, and offered information on subjects including ‘How Beer Is Brewed’, ‘Going Hopping’, ‘The Welcome Inn’ and ‘The Guv’nor’. A poster named ‘The Profit On Beer’ features a copy of the Morning Advertiser on the bar.
Faversham-based brewery Shepherd Neame has just added 18 of the posters to its archive, after they were discovered during a house clearance in the Isle of Sheppey. It is planning to reproduce the posters and put framed copies throughout its pub estate.
Brewery archivist and historian John Owen said: “It is interesting to see that the topics covered by the posters in the 1950s are exactly the same as the topics everyone is concerned with today, such as brewing techniques, the price of a pint, and the importance of supporting your local. We would love to hear from anyone else who has either of the remaining posters, so we can try and complete our collection.”
If you have any information on the Tavern Topics posters or any other brewing or pub memorabilia, email pbzzf@furcureqarnzr.pb.hx or phone 01795 532206.
