FURTHER FINDS
Further finds keeping coming along. This most
recent batch tells us something about Phoenix's sales methods.
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This small dish, kindly showed to us by a BCMC
member, bears the logo of the Festival of Britain, 1951.
Comparing this with the Coronation series we can see
that Phoenix were quick to cash in on the souvenir
market as a way of promoting sales. |
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Likewise they were selling designs to other
industries. In this case they produced a bowl for
Ready Brek, doubtless as part of a promotion for that
breakfast product - which was supposed to be served hot. |
| Here is another tie in. This undated flyer
(doubtless slipped into books and mailings) tells
members of the Foyles' book clubs that, if they enrol
another person into one of the clubs, they will get a
set of three Phoenix bowls with the blue rose pattern on
them. |
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And of course, they offered a guarantee with all of
their products, perhaps to encourage those with any
doubts about how Phoenix might compare with Pyrex in
durability. Probably from the early 1960s. |
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Phoenix did many direct sales, especially through
offers in women's magazine. We have heard that
much of this trade went out through the railways but
much of it through the post, so much so that the Post
Office set up a special depot to handle their parcels.
But here is an example of selling through wholesalers
and retailers. This page is from the 1937
catalogue of the Metal Alliance Company of Bristol who,
despite their name, were wholesalers. |
 | And, of course, advertising, especially
in women's magazines, continued. This colourful
advert comes from the "Housewife" in December 1956.
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This advert comes from an unidentified source but is
clearly in the same style as the one above. It seems to
show someone making casserole of some sort. For 1956 the
use of a green pepper might have been a bit adventurous.
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That is the story so far. But we are always looking
for more information and more of people's stories about Phoenix.
Please
email Frank Sharman
The items shown on these pages are from the
collections and kitchens of Reg Aston, Kath Kiely, Barbara Garrett,
Joyce May, Angeline Johnson, John Elwell, Anita Haynes, Mathew
Hargreaves, Nancy Curtis and Frank Sharman.
We have not been able to contact one of the people
whose story is quoted here. Could they please contact us?
click here to go back to the
start of the Phoenix story |
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