Passion for History: Meet the Enthusiast Behind the Largest Beer Tray Collection

A dedicated beer enthusiast has spent over four decades building the world’s largest collection of beer trays, showcasing a fascinating piece of brewing history.

Richard Percival, a 62-year-old resident of Rutland, England, has invested thousands of dollars in his impressive collection of brewery trays. He stores over 300 of his prized pre-1970s trays in a double garage that has become a mini-museum dedicated to the history of British brewing.

In an interview with the news agency SWNS, Percival proudly declared, “I’ve got the biggest tray collection in the country and in the world. It really is a great British collection.” This passion ignited in 1982 during a visit to a pub in Brighton where he was watching a soccer match.

A Journey Inspired by Soccer

Percival, a devoted fan of Notts County soccer, received his first tray as a gift from the pub landlord. This simple gesture marked the beginning of a remarkable journey, as he started collecting a memento from his travels thereafter.

Since that time, he has amassed a staggering total of 1,500 brewery trays from various corners of the globe. On average, these trays are valued between $25 and $130 each, reflecting both their historical significance and artistry.

Creating a Mini-Museum

The double garage where Percival displays his collection serves not only as storage but also as an educational space for visitors interested in British brewing history. He showcases more than 300 pre-World War II trays, offering a glimpse into the past of this cherished tradition.

Initially, Percival faced skepticism from friends and family regarding his peculiar hobby. He recalls, “When I first started going to matches and telling people about this hobby, my family and friends all cringed.” However, as he continued to cultivate his collection, his wife, Susan, 69, changed her tune and now fully supports her husband’s passion.

From Simple Beginnings to Expansive Collections

Percival reminisces about how his interest expanded beyond soccer. He has visited a total of 84 league grounds with Notts County, each time seeking a new beer tray or related item.
During one trip to Brighton, a fellow supporter inquired about beer mats, which are the English equivalent of coasters in American bars. In a twist of fate, while the pub lacked beer mats, the landlord offered a tray. Percival accepted it, paving the way for his eventual obsession with beer trays.

After the initial 15 trays, he began to notice their intricate designs and craftsmanship, sparking a desire to acquire more. Percival noted this evolution aptly, stating, “After the first 15 times I realized the beer trays were ornate objects — and it spiraled from there.”

A Global Community of Collectors

While all of Percival’s trays are British-made, he has received contributions from enthusiasts as far away as Australia and the United States. He emphasizes, “Individually, they’re not worth that much, but as a collection, they represent a part of British brewery history.”

His oldest tray dates back to around 1870, originating from a Black Country brewery known as Fred Cutler. In contrast, his favorite tray hails from Warwicks & Richardsons brewery in Nottinghamshire, crafted in 1904. He is particularly fond of the distinctive, black-backed steel trays, as they embody the unique essence of their time.

The Impact of History on Collecting

One pivotal aspect of his collection is that all trays were produced before 1970. This is simply because most mass manufacturers ceased production by that time, marking the end of an era.

Additionally, Percival holds the record for Britain’s largest memorabilia collection from the now-defunct brewer Thomas Salt and Co., which stopped operations in 1927. His ambition is to acquire a tray featuring the Thomas Salt cross logo, a treasure that represents one of the world’s oldest trademarks.

“Salt stuff is rare and quite expensive. I might need to downsize at some point, but I have around 80 more items I want to get,” he shared candidly.

A Digital Archive of Brewing Heritage

In February, Percival broadened his reach by launching a comprehensive brewery encyclopedia website. This platform documents Britain’s brewery history and catalogs his extensive collection. He describes the process of developing this resource as a labor of love that took 20 years and involved three migrations of his website.

“People all over Britain and the world use it as an access site. It’s got the manufacturing history, videos, and articles for everything,” Percival explained, emphasizing its educational value.

Preserving the Past for Future Generations

Ultimately, Richard Percival’s collection of beer trays not only serves as a personal quest but also plays a vital role in preserving British brewing history. His dedication to unearthing, collecting, and sharing this heritage offers a unique perspective into our cultural past. Through his ongoing efforts, he ensures that these pieces of history will remain intact for future generations who seek to understand and appreciate the art of brewing.