University toasts brewing archive
Published: 15 May 2008
A major archive containing records, materials and images of the Scottish brewing industry has been saved for the nation.
A major archive containing records, materials and images of the Scottish brewing industry has been saved for the nation.
The University of Glasgow will now house and protect the several thousand volumes of records and books from Scotland’s brewing companies as well as extensive advertising materials, a collection of Tennent’s ‘Lager Lovelies’ and brewing equipment.
The decision was made by the board of the Scottish Brewing Archive to gift the collection to the University in order to ensure the preservation of these important historical artefacts.
Colin Valentine, Chairman of the Scottish Brewing Archive, said: “The brewing industry was radically different when the archive was first set up in 1982. However, in spite of the changes in recent years, brewing continues to be important to the people of Scotland. It remains a significant part of the country’s social and economic fabric and today’s companies continue to rely on the archive’s fascinating resource material from Scotland’s brewing heritage for their marketing campaigns and promotion of their brands.
“By gifting the archive to the University of Glasgow we are able to guarantee protection for this important part of Scotland’s heritage.”
Lesley Richmond, Director of Archive Services at the University, said: “Since 1991 the Scottish Brewing Archive has worked in partnership with the University’s Archive Services to manage the archive and we are delighted to take responsibility for the preservation of such an historically valuable collection of industrial and entrepreneurial records relating to the history of Scotland. Industrial heritage is important to all European countries and has a major impact in several important sectors such as education, cultural tourism and the creative industries. “
The Scottish brewing artefacts will be added to the Scottish Business Archive within the University’s Archive Services and the materials will be available to the public, researchers, the media and the industry.
The brewing companies represented in the collection include the most famous names in Scottish brewing past and present: Aitken’s of Falkirk, Fowlers of Prestonpans, Bernard's of Edinburgh, and George Youngers of Alloa, Belhaven, Scottish Brewers, Alloa Brewery Co., Scottish and Newcastle, and Tennent Caledonian.
The University of Glasgow’s Archive Services will be supported by the Scottish Brewing Archive Association, a new body made up of brewers and brewing history enthusiasts.
Notes to editors
For images of materials contained in the archive or for more information please contact Kate Richardson in the University of Glasgow Media Relations Office on 0141 330 3683 or email K.Richardson@admin.gla.ac.uk
The Scottish Business Archive held by the University of Glasgow Archive Services covers almost all types of business and industrial activity in Scotland and the UK with over 400 collections from banking, confectioners and distillers to retail, solicitors and undertakers. The holdings are particularly strong in relation to industrial concerns in the west of Scotland such as shipbuilding, railway locomotive manufacture, textiles and mining. They contain a wide variety of records including minute books, financial ledgers, legal documents, marketing material, production papers, staff records and photographs, providing invaluable insights into all areas of business activity.
Website: www.gla.ac.uk/services/archives
First published: 15 May 2008
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