Japanware Tin Plate Cup, Williamson & Sons Providence Works, Worcester.

This impressive japanned, tin plate cup, was made by W.B. Williamson and Sons to show at a trade exhibition in the 1870s. It is said to be a replica of the original Football Association Cup. The original cup was stolen from a Jewellery shop in Aston, Birmingham and was never found.

W.B. Williamson & Sons and the Worcester Providence Works.

William Blizard Williamson arrived in Worcester with his family in the early 1850s. He started a small business in Lowesmoor, manufacturing a wide range of articles in sheet steel and tinplate.

The Providence Works

In 1858, Williamson built a new factory called The Providence Works, situated in the Blockhouse, a poor industrial part of the city. They made all sorts of items ranging from everyday products such as trunks, hatboxes and cutlery trays to fine showpieces. The company¹s specialities included ballot boxes and judge’s wig boxes.

Japanning

Japanning is a method of giving a high gloss finish to tin-plate using lamp-black, turpentine, oils, pitch, resin and wax. Japanning was a simple process mostly carried out by women and children, whilst men were employed to cut and shape the tin. The process imitated the shiny finish of Japanese lacquerware, which had become very fashionable.

Experimentation and Invention

In 1878, W.B. Williamson died, leaving the Providence Works to his sons William and George. They could see the wonderful potential of using tin for storing products and keeping them fresh.

During the 1800s, William developed the 'lever lid' tin, still the standard container used for products such as paint, custard powder and treacle. George invented the 'cutter lid tin' for cigarettes and tobacco. The cutter lid allowed tobacco to be kept fresh for longer than had previously been possible. The idea was patented, bringing in vast business for Williamson, as well as for tobacco makers W.D. & H.O. Wills, to whom Williamson was sole supplier.

Metal Box

In 1890, William left the business and George formed a limited company called G.H. Williamson and Sons Ltd. George died in 1918 and was succeeded by his son, George Evan Williamson. A new product was needed to revive the company as the patents for the 'cutter lid tin' had expired. On a visit to America, G.E. Williamson on seeing the potential of using mass production techniques, set up a new canning factory in Worcester.

During the late 1920s, several independent tin-plate manufacturers joined together in order to fight off competition from overseas. They called themselves Metal Box and in 1930, were joined by G.E. Williamson who became their director. He was to bring with him enough capital to develop a brand new open-top canning factory. This factory, which still produces millions of cans today, was built at Perry Wood in Worcester in 1931.

What Happened to the Providence Works?

From 1930 until the 1960s, the Providence Works continued to produce special lines such as large biscuit tins, five-gallon drums, and other aluminum products and components. The most famous product was a series of decorated domestic tinware, known as "Worcester Ware". In 1963, the factory closed and was partly demolished to be replaced by the Telephone Exchange.