City-College-Norwich-Graphic-Design-students-briefed-on-mustard-tin-project

Students from City College Norwich are giving mustard a makeover, in conjunction with Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum, to commemorate 200 years of Colman’s in Norwich.

Organised by Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum, students on the Diploma in Graphic Design course from the college are re-designing the classic mustard tin to celebrate the 200th anniversary. Decorative tins were created by Colman’s up until the outbreak of World War II, and were used by retailers to contain loose mustard powder, before modern packaging was invented. Their stylish designs ensured that they were re-used and cherished, and today the mustard tins are now collectable items.

First year Graphic Design students were briefed on the history of Colman’s in Norwich by staff from Norwich’s Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART), owners of Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum, learnt about the brand’s advertising history, enjoyed a visit to the museum, and also visited the Colman’s Gallery at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery for inspiration.

Melanie McGhee, Communications and Development Assistant for Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum, said: “Over the years, Colman’s produced a range of anniversary products and tins to commemorate historical landmarks. They also worked closely with local up-and-coming artists, such as Alfred Munnings and John Hassell, who produced advertising campaigns for the company whilst honing their skills as students. By working closely with local Graphic Design students from City College Norwich, we are celebrating Colman’s history by mirroring its past.”

The Graphics students undertook further research on the Colman’s brand, and are now working on design ideas for new commemorative mustard tins which they will then pitch to Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum.

colmans-mustard-shop-norwich

Colman’s mustard history dates back to 1814 when Jeremiah Colman, a flour miller, took over a mustard manufacturing business based at Stoke Holy Cross, four miles south of Norwich. In 1823 Jeremiah and his adopted nephew James established J & J Colman which flourished. Best known for mustard, the company made flour, starch, laundry blue and cornflour. The Colman’s brand was purchased by Unilever UK & Ireland in 1995. All Colman’s mustard products continue to be made at Carrow in Norwich to this day.

In 1973 the Mustard Shop was opened to celebrate the industrial history of Colman’s. It was originally based in Bridewell Alley and has been in the Royal Arcade since 1999. Ten years later it was taken over by Norwich’s Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART). Today it is one of Norwich’s most popular and cherished tourist attractions, popular with locals and visitors alike. The shop stocks an extensive range of powder and prepared mustards, including a number of specialities made exclusively for the shop. In addition, there are a wide selection of mustard pots and spoons, together with tea towels – not to mention a broad range of Colman’s memorabilia. It also contains many items on loan from the archives, covering all aspects of the history and production of Colman’s mustard.

Look out for events celebrating 200 years of Colman’s throughout the year. Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum are hosting a special ‘My Colman’s’ Antiques Day on Saturday 7th June 2014 at The Guildhall – so if you own a classic mustard tin this is an ideal opportunity to find out its history and value. There will also be heritage talks and walks, special offers and a Murder Mystery Night. See www.mustardshopnorwich.co.uk for more details.

 

Notes

About Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum

Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum was opened in 1973 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Colman’s, with premises on Bridewell Alley. It moved to the historic art nouveau Royal Arcade in 1999, where it has been based ever since in a careful replica of Victorian trade premises.

The shop stocks an extensive range of powder and prepared mustards, including a number of specialities made exclusively for the shop. In addition, there are a wide selection of mustard pots and spoons, together with tea towels – not to mention a broad range of Colman’s memorabilia. It also contains many items on loan from the archives, covering all aspects of the history and production of Colman’s mustard.

www.mustardshopnorwich.co.uk

 

About Norwich HEART

Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) is a private, charitable trust set up to act as an umbrella organisation for all of the heritage on offer in Norwich. We strategically plan, regenerate, manage and promote Norwich’s heritage and act as a best practice model internationally for developing heritage as a social and economic regeneration vehicle. HEART receives support from bodies including the University of East Anglia and Norwich City Council and has received project funding from a variety of sources including European Union, HM Treasury, the East of England Development Agency and Norfolk County Council. HEART took over Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum in August 2009, from previous owners Unilever UK & Ireland.

www.heritagecity.org

 

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