Biscuit Barrel

A ’Biscuit Barrel’ is a dainty and beguile relic that has been in use since they first made an appearance in England in the 1860’s. These Victorian masterpieces are still treasured by people who own them.

The popularity of biscuit barrels soared during the 1930’s and they are still in use. They are antiques, which can be found at most antique shops. ’Portobello Market’ in London houses several such antiques. Attractively embellished, some biscuit barrels come with handles and lids made of sterling silver; they were never intended for storage purposes and were not made air tight. They were used solely for the purpose of beautification. Made of ceramic, they were fashioned in delicate floral and Chinese-influenced patterns. They were brought out with pride during tea time, at lunches and whenever an occasion presented itself. Most of the biscuit barrels had silver plate mounts, while a few were made of sterling silver. The plating of many gets worn with time due to years of polishing and cleaning. The biscuit barrels were made by top of the line ceramic manufactures some of which include, ’Wedgewood’, ’Coalport’ ’Copeland’, ’Worcester’, Wiltshaw and Robinson’ (Carlton ware), S.Fielding (Crown Devon and Royal Devon), A.G. Richardson (Crown Ducal), Adams and Co., W.Wood and Co., Keeling and Co., Loyatt and Loyatt, Langleyware, Parrot and Co., Lancaster and Sons, Clarence and Cliff, and many more.

Used during the ’Victorian’ times, they have found a new audience during recent years.