These magnificent ale jars were donated to Malton Museum in 2015. They are made from stoneware, a form of pottery which is fired at a high temperature making it impervious and therefore ideal for storing liquids. The well-fixed metal handles would have helped with lifting when they were full of liquid. Both have a small tap, each of a slightly different design, from which ale could be dispensed. They stand 35cm high, with a circumference of 17cm, but there is no indication of a maker.
The firm of Russells and Wrangham was the result of the coming together of two Malton breweries in 1897; the Derwent Brewery, founded by the Russell family in 1771; and the Crystal Brewery established in 1864 by William Wrangham. As Russells had previously gone into partnership with the flour mill they produced flour as well as ale. The brewery, later taken over by Camerons, was situated in Castlegate, on the site now occupied by Morrison’s supermarket.
Russells and Wrangham distributed their ales over a wide area. These particular jars were used by their Wholesale and Retail establishment in Darlington, Co Durham, with purchasers paying a returnable deposit for their use. The branch was still in operation in 1939 but appears to have stopped trading during the 1939-1945 war. This may explain why the jars were never returned.
Apart from a period being used to dispense home -made beer, the jars spent over 70 years in two Darlington lofts. When asked if they were of interest to the Museum our answer was an enthusiastic yes! A spokesman adds ‘these jars tell an interesting story, and add to our collection of material from a firm which played an important part in Malton’s history.’
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