Aluminium

Aluminium canisters first appeared in the thirties and had more than a bit of art deco influence. They could bring a new age sleekness to the kitchen and as often or not were supplemented with a Bakerlite handle. Lightweight and airtight, they were a popular alternative to enamel whcih frequently has loose-fitting tops.

Few aluminium canisters remain now, as during the war, the Ministry of War called for households to donate their aluminium kitchenware to the war effort. They were recycled and turned into Spitfires !

Aluminium made a brief return in the fifties, but by and large companies like Worcesterware and Garrison set the trends for a bright new post war Britain that wanted bright, new and colourful.