Swing Stopper (not original)
Potter: mark indistinct-see image.
Thomas Pickup was born on 21 July 1884 in Ashworth, Lancashire, baptised on 17 Aug. 1884, son of Edmund Pickup and Eliza Saxon. His brother Fred Pickup was born in 1879 in Heap, Birtle, Lancashire, baptised 3 Jan. 1880 in Birtle, Lancashire. Sister Hannah was also born in Heap about 1878. There were two other children, Elizabeth born around 1881, and William born around 1887. Their father Edmund died in 1890. Edmund Pickup was the son of Abraham Pickup (born in Shuttleworth, Lancs., 1832). Abraham Pickup had another son also called Abraham Pickup (uncle of Fred & Thomas) born Birtle Bury, Lancs. in 1871, who by 1901 was in partnership with Thomas Fentiman as Fentiman & Pickup, botanical brewers at 10 & 12 Suffield St., Middlesbrough. Abraham lived at number 14.
From the London Gazette - 11 September 1903, page 5691: "NOTICE is hereby given, that the Partnership lately subsisting between us the undersigned, Thomas Fentiman and Abraham Pickup, carrying on business at Nos. 10 and 12, Suffield-street, Middlesbrough, in the county of York, as High Class Botanical Brewers, under the style or firm of "FENTIMAN AND PICKUP," has been dissolved by mutual consent as and from the 13th day of August, 1903, so far as regards the said Thomas Fentiman, who retires from the firm. All debts due to or owing by the said late firm will be received and paid by the said Abraham Pickup, who will continue the said business in his own name.—As witness our hands this second day of September, 1903. THOMAS FENTIMAN. ABRAHAM PICKUP."
| Pint Stoneware Bottle | |
| Printed:
FENTIMAN / AND / PICKUP / BOTANICAL / BREWERS / WEST / HARTLEPOOL. Swing Stopper (not original) Potter: mark indistinct-see image. |
Abraham Pickup died 31 July 1906 at 14 Suffield Street and left his estate to his widow Harriett who continued the business.
By 1907 Fentiman and Pickup had moved to 20 Alderson Street, West Hartlepool where Harriett can be found at 49 Thornton Street in the 1911 census.
From the Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail - Wednesday 25 November 1914 page 1: "BOTANICAL BREWERY, FLAXTON STREET. Owing to our PROPRIETOR having been called up for ACTIVE SERVICE at the Front, and Three of our JOURNEYMEN having joined Kitchener's Army, we regret we have not lately been able to call upon our Customers in the usual way, and would esteem it a great favour if under these present trying circumstances they will send us their orders by post, when they will receive our prompt attention. FENTIMAN & PICKUP."
In the Durham County Advertiser - Friday 2 June 1905, page 2, Spennymoor district council were announcing plans to extend the premises of Messrs Pickup Bros. with a new Stable etc. so they were already well established by this date in Co. Durham. By 1925 they also had an outlet in nearby Bishop's Auckland.
From the Durham County Advertiser - Friday 4 September 1908 page 4: "TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, at the North Eastern Hotel, Spennymoor, On Tuesday, September 8th, 1908, At 5-30 o’clock in the Evening precisely (Subject to the General Conditions of Sale to be then read). R. F. GOWLAND, AUCTIONEERS, ALL those Two Valuable LEASEHOLD DWELLING-BOUSES, situate and being at the top Barnfield Road, Spennymoor, in the County of Durham, together with the adjoining BUILDINGS, known as GELDARD'S FOUNDRY; also the BRICK BUILDING in the rear, the occupation of Messrs. Pickup Bros., Botanical Brewers. The Site occupied by the whole of the Buildings contains an area of 7,300 Square Yards, and is held on a lease for a term of 99 Years, from 23rd November. 1875, subject to an Annual Ground Rent of Twenty-three pounds (£23). The Two Houses are Stone Built and Slated, and are the occupation of Messrs. Geldard and Jordan, and contain 5 and 4 Rooms, respectively, with Bay Windows at the front, and the usual Yard and Out-office in the rear. There is a Railway Siding into the Foundry which is of great importance. The Surplus land could be profitably used for the Erection of Dwelling-Houses. The Estimated Rental of the whole of the Buildings, including the Two Houses, is put down at £80 per annum. The Tenants will allow inspection at reasonable times, and for further information apply to the AUCTIONEERS, Spennymoor, or to MATHE & DICKENSON, Solicitors, 52, Dean Street. Newcastle-on-Tyne." The Spennymoor branch company were trading until at least 1938.
In 1907 the boys were living in Bristol and had established a business in Sussex Place as Botanical Brewers in partnership with their widowed mum Eliza and older sister Hannah. They were advertising to employ a lad about 15 in May 1908. The ladies along with Fred left the partnership in Bristol in 1919 (see below) leaving Thomas to run the local branch.
By 1910 they had also opened a branch in Pontypridd, mid-Glamorgan and until 1914 they had a branch opposite the Greyhound Inn, "an extensive piece of ground, with buildings", in Merthyr.
In 1911 Fred is a Botanical Brewer living with the Halliday family in Pudsey, Yorkshire West Riding. He established the business of F. Pickup in Leeds in 1911.
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Thomas married Charlotte Beatrice Maud, daughter of Francis Collacott, a railway clerk, at St. Mark's, Easton, Bristol, on 30 May 1915. They had a child Edith that year who died before the end of the year.
In 1916 WW1 caused problems for the firm but from the Western Daily Press - Friday 14 July 1916 page 7: "SIXTEEN HOURS A DAY. The manager of a firm of botanical brewers was named Pickup. He obtained a conditional exemption, and was asked if he could not serve a special constable. He replied that in the winter he might, but not in the summer when often worked 16 hours day."
From The Gazette, 22 July 1919: "NOTICE is hereby given, that the Partnership heretofore subsisting between us, the under-signed, Fred Pickup, Thomas Pickup, Eliza Pickup and Hannah Pickup, carrying on business as Botanical Brewers, at Sussex-place, Ashley-road, Bristol, under the style or firm of "PICKUP & CO.," has been dissolved by mutual consent as and from the 31st day of December, 1918. All debts due to and owing by the said late firm will be received and paid by the said Thomas Pickup, who will continue the business for his sole benefit under the same style or firm of Pickup & Co.—Dated the 30th day of June, 1919."
In 1924 the brothers are credited with launching "Pickup's Appetizer" in Manchester, which eventually evolved into the extremely popular drink "Tizer", currently marketed by AGBarr's drinks. I have to say it doesn't taste the same as I remember it as a kid when it was one of my favorites. Thomas and Charlotte had another daughter, Marian, the same year. In 1929 there were other drinks on the market with "Tizer" such as "Tanger", "Town-Up", "Tres-Bon" at 2s per 26oz bottle and this is the first year that I find Tizer mentioned by name in the press in Sheffield & Liverpool.
Eliza Pickup, the boys mother, and one of the original partners in the firm, died in Bristol in 1926 age 77.
Radiant Table Waters was founded in March 1931 at 322, Two Mile Hill, Kingswood, Bristol with the purpose of expanding the scope of the business in the Bristol area with a domestic delivery service. Fred Pickup was the chairman. From the Western Daily Press - Thursday 14 May 1931 page 7: "Radiant Table Waters. During the season of thirsty throats,"Drink, drink, drink brothers, drink," is a cheery injunction to which is not always possible to accede. Sparkling beverages and a luscious Liquid refreshment are not always to hand. Painful disappointments in this direction can easily be remedied if house-holders will look out for the new delivery lorries bearing the name of the Radiant Table Water Company, which ply every district of Bristol carrying a wide and attractive range of most stimulating mineral waters and fruit-drinks. Lemonade, orange squash and soda, cherry squash, ginger ale and ginger beer are a few of the special lines manufactured by this firm in their new up-to-date factory, and a feature of their business is that they supply direct from their works to the householder. This convenient service makes it possible for them to offer all their varieties at the standard price of 3d Per 26oz flagon. The firm's motto is 'Radiant Table Water' for 'Radiant Health'."
| Lemonade Bottle |  |
| Embossed:
(On shoulder) RADIANT / KINGSWOOD / BRISTOL (in arched border) Clear Glass, height 28cm. Glassworks: Not known, this bottle is internally threaded for a stopper. 2 / M128 / 1939 on base. |
From The Gazette, 16 June 1936: "RADIANT TABLE WATERS Limited. Special Resolution passed 3rd June, 1936. AT an Extraordinary General Meeting of Radiant Table Waters Limited, held with the agreement of all Members on short notice, pursuant to Section 117 (2) of the Companies Act 1929, on the 3rd day of June, 1936, the following Resolution was duly passed as a Special Resolution :—"That the Company be wound up voluntarily; and that Walter Morris Lowick, of 16, Bridge-Street, Bristol, Chartered Accountant, be, and hereby is appointed Liquidator for the purpose of such winding-up. FRED PICKUP, Chairman"
Tizer Co. Ltd. were formed in December 1933 for the purpose of extending the business into the London area.
From the Truth - Wednesday 22 April 1936 page 31: "Preliminary Notice: TIZER LIMITED Incorporated under the Company's Act 1929, LONDON, MANCHESTER, BRISTOL, LIVERPOOL, BIRMINGHAM, SHEFFIELD, LEEDS, BLACKBURN, BRADFORD, HULL AND NOTTINGHAM. CAPITAL: Issued Authorised and Fully Paid £250,000 in 1,000,000 Ordinary Shares of 5s. each £200,000. The List will open on Friday next, April 24th, for an OFFER FOR SALE OF 575,000 Ordinary Shares of 5s. each at 20s. per share. Points relating to the Offer for Sale: (1) The Company incorporates the following well-known businesses : F. PICKUP, PICKUP & CO., TIZER CO. LIMITED, RADIANT TABLE WATERS LIMITED, engaged in the manufacture and distribution to the retail trade of Mineral Waters and other non-alcoholic beverages. (2) The combine constituted by these four concerns, built up from small beginnings almost entirely out of profits, is now one of the largest in this class of trade. (3) The trade is conducted almost entirely on a cash basis and the incidence of bad debts is therefore practically non-existent. The Company has over 100,000 customers on its books, the majority of whom are served weekly throughout the year. (4) Profits, after charging depreciation and providing for Management Remuneration and Directors Fees, have been as follows : 1933: £68,272; 1934: £64,189; 1935: £64,450 (5) The combined average annual profits for the three years ended 31st December, 1935, were equivalent to approximately 32 per cent. on the issued capital of the Company. (6) Service agreements have been entered into which ensure continuity of management. The Chairman of the Company, who has been associated with the business since its inception, expresses the view that there are good prospects of increased profits being achieved and that ample scope exists for the continuation of the policy of expansion and development which has characterised the business in the past. Copies of the full offer for Sale and Forms of Application can be obtained from the BANKERS: LLOYDS BANK LIMITED, Head Office and Branches. MIDLAND BANK LIMITED. Head Office and Branches. BROKERS: LAING & CRUICKSHANK, 6, Austin Friars, London, E.C.2. SIDNEY J. LOVELL & CO., Pinners Hall. Austin Friars. London, E.C.2. REGISTERED OFFICE OF THE COMPANY: Atlas Works, Hollinwood Avenue, Failsworth, Manchester 10. and from THE CHARTERHOUSE INVESTMENT TRUST, LIMITED, 30-31, St. Swithin's Lane, London, E.C.4."
The Directors of Tizer Ltd. were: FRED PICKUP, 260, Manchester New Road, Alkrington, Middleton, Lancashire (Mineral Water Manufacturer), Chairman and Technical Director; THOMAS PICKUP, 35, Sussex Place, Ashley Road, Bristol (Mineral Water Manufacturer); WILLIAM RILEY, Victoria Avenue. Blackley, Lancashire (Mineral Water Manufacturer) <— Joint Managing Directors. JOHN TAYLOR, "Lyndhurst," Middleton, Lancashire (Director Harrods Limited). SECRETARY AND REGISTERED OFFICE: JOHN MORTON. A.L.A.A., Atlas Works, Hollinwood Avenue, Failsworth, Manchester.
Thomas Pickup was still at 35 Sussex Place in 1938 but by 1939 he was at 364 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester with wife Charlotte and daughter Elsie who was born 1 Nov. 1916.
On 18 Nov. 1944 Pickup & Co. of Sussex Place were advertising for a lockup garage to store 4 redundant lorries.
Thomas Pickup died at the Chorlton-cum-Hardy address on 27 Feb. 1960, Probate Manchester, 23 March, to the Public Trustee and to Fred Pickup, company director £252,306 2s 5d.
Fred Pickup, of 266 Manchester New Road, Alkrington Middleton, Lancs. died 18 Dec. 1968, probate Manchester, 2 January, £1,086,917.
| Half Gallon Stoneware Flagon |  |
| Printed:
(On shoulder) PICKUP BROS. / BOTANICAL BREWERS / SPENNYMOOR / AND /
BP. AUCKLAND (On front) TO BUY, SELL OR USE / THIS BOTTLE / IS /
ILLEGAL / 1925 Potter: Not known, this flagon is not internally threaded for a stopper. |
| 1 Gallon Stoneware Tap Jar |   |
| Printed:
(On shoulder) PICKUP & CO. / SUSSEX STREET / BRISTOL (On
reverse-tap side) THIS BOTTLE IS NOT SOLD / ANY ONE
DETAINING / OR USING SAME WILL BE / PROSECUTED. / 1925 Potter: Not known but likely Pearson, Whittington Moor. Photo: Miles Griffin & Clevedon Auctions |
| Half Gallon Stoneware Flagons |
  |
| Printed:
(On shoulder) PICKUP / & Co. / BOTANICAL BREWERS / BRISTOL
(On front) TO BUY, TO SELL OR / MAKE USE OF THIS BOTTLE / IS
ILLEGAL. / 1910 also 1913 Note: There are versions in 1909 with the name on the front and the warning on the shoulder. Potter: Pearson & Co. / 6 / Whittington Moor. |
| Half Gallon Stoneware Flagons |
  |
| Printed:
(On shoulder) PICKUP / & Co. / BOTANICAL BREWERS / BRISTOL
(On front) THIS BOTTLE IS NOT SOLD. / ANY PERSON
DETAINING OR USING / SAME WILL BE PROSECUTED. /1926 also 1931
& 1932. Potter: Pearson & Co. / (Chesterfield / Ltd) / Whittington Moor. |
| Half Gallon Stoneware Flagons |
   |
| Printed:
(On shoulder) PICKUP & CO. / BRISTOL (On front) To Buy,
Sell or / make use of this bottle / is illegal. /1934 also
1935 & 1937. Potter: James Pearson Limited. / Brampton / Chesterfield. Note: 1937 flagon is unstamped but very likely Pearson. |
| Half Gallon Stoneware Flagons |
  |
| Printed:
(On shoulder) PICKUP / & Co. / BOTANICAL BREWERS / BRISTOL
(On front) THIS BOTTLE IS NOT SOLD. / ANYONE DETAINING OR
USING / SAME WILL BE PROSECUTED. /1930 also 1931. Potter: Price 0 Bristol. |
| Half Gallon Stoneware Flagons |
  |
| Printed:
(On shoulder) PICKUP / & CO. / BRISTOL (On front) THIS
BOTTLE IS NOT SOLD. / ANY PERSON DETAINING OR USING /
SAME WILL BE PROSECUTED. /1939 also 1940. Note blue stopper with PICKUP HERB BEER. Top of flagons have dark brown glaze. Potter: Neither of these late flagons are stamped but are Pearsons style. |
| Half Gallon Stoneware Flagons |
   |
| Printed:
(On shoulder) PICKUP / & CO. / BRISTOL (On front) THIS
BOTTLE IS NOT SOLD. / ANY PERSON DETAINING OR USING /
SAME WILL BE PROSECUTED. /1933 also 1934 and 1941. Potter: Pearson & Co. / (Chesterfield / Ltd) / Whittington Moor. |
| Stoneware Ginger Beer Bottle |
  |
| Printed:
(On shoulder) PICKUP, (On front) PICKUP / LEEDS / TO BUY, SELL
OR USE / THIS BOTTLE IS ILLEGAL / 1918. Note Tizer stopper is not contemporary. Lip has dark brown glaze. Bottle is from Fred Pickup's Leeds company. Potter: Difficult to read but likely Pearson & Co. / 10 / Whittington Moor. |