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Passion for Brewing History: The Remarkable Collection of Richard Percival
Richard Percival, a 62-year-old resident of Rutland, England, has dedicated over four decades to curating an impressive collection of beer trays, claiming to possess the largest assortment in both the country and worldwide. His devotion to this niche hobby has resulted in a collection of around 1,500 trays, predominantly sourced from before the 1970s, showcasing Britain’s brewing heritage.
His journey as a collector began in 1982 during a visit to a pub in Brighton, where he was gifted a tray by the landlord while watching a Notts County soccer match. This initial spark ignited a passion that would see Percival collecting memorabilia from his travels and matches, leading him to amass an extensive array of trays, most of which are intricately designed.
“Initially, when I shared my hobby with friends and family, they were skeptical,” Percival revealed. However, over the years, his family, including his wife Susan, who once thought he was “mad,” has come to appreciate and support his unique endeavor.
A Mini-Museum of Brewery History
With more than 300 pre-World War II trays displayed in what he describes as a “mini-museum,” Percival’s collection is housed in his double garage. This space not only showcases the beautiful craftsmanship of each tray but also serves as an archive of brewing history. He noted that the average value of each tray ranges from $25 to $130, with some pieces holding significant historical importance.
Percival’s oldest tray, crafted from copper and dating back to around 1870, comes from a Black Country brewery called Fred Cutler. Among his favorites is a distinctive oval tray from Warwicks & Richardsons brewery, produced in 1904, which features an illustration of the brewery along with labels of their beers—two elements that resonate deeply with his preference for weightier designs.
Global Connections Through Collecting
While Percival’s collection is exclusively composed of British-made trays, he has received contributions from enthusiasts as far away as Australia and the United States. “Although individually each tray may not carry significant monetary value, collectively they represent a vital part of British brewery history,” he explained.
Furthermore, Percival boasts a notable assembly of memorabilia from Thomas Salt and Co., a brewery that was established in the 19th century and taken over in 1927. He harbors aspirations of finding a tray emblazoned with the Thomas Salt cross logo, recognized as the fourth-oldest trademark globally.
A Commitment to Preservation
In addition to collecting trays, Percival has created an encyclopedia website dedicated to Britain’s brewery history. Launched in February, the website documents his collection and serves as a comprehensive resource for those interested in brewing. “It has taken me 20 years to develop this site, which now includes manufacturing history, videos, and articles,” he stated, noting its accessibility to a global audience.
Percival’s commitment to preserving brewing history is evident in both his collection and the educational efforts through his website. Though he acknowledges the possibility of downsizing his collection in the future, he currently has around 80 more items he hopes to acquire, showcasing his undying passion for the world of brewing.
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