Sharps Toffee - Pictorial, Reverse Printed + Foiled Glass Panel

Sharp's Toffee was manufactured in Maidstone, Kent. The company was started by Edward Sharp in the late 19th century and by 1933 they were the largest Toffee manufacturers in the world and this strength continued through into the 1950s with thanks to a quality product and heavy advertising. In 1961 Edward Sharp & Sons was acquired by Trebor and the company became known as Trebor Sharp.

Here we have a rare survivor - a reverse printed and foiled glass panel depicting the company's trademark parrot. This style of advertisement is the same as printed examples that the company produced in the 1940s. I've not seen another example like this and doubt that there are many left. It's hard to show in the photos, but the red, blue and gold layers are a metallic foiling - giving the piece a reflective sheen; similar to gold leaf on glass.

The piece has survived the decades in excellent condition; the back has been papered to protect the printed surface from damage and there are a few losses to this paper around the edges and a little line through the main area which hasn't gone through to the glass but is faintly visible from the front. I presume that this was originally framed or mounted into a cabinet. Really it needs framing to be displayed properly / safely but as the style of framing is a matter of choice I thought I'd leave that decision up to the end buyer.

It measures 35cm square.