In early civilization's cereal grains such as maize, wheat, barley etc. were stored in large airy buildings, often raised up from the ground to reduce infestation by pests and vermin. Ancient Egyptian and early Hebrew writings include reference to such buildings. Smaller quantities of food were stored in baskets made from woven grasses or leaves. In more recent times but prior to the invention of the refrigerator many food products were stored in the home as preserves or pickles, often in heat sealed jars. Dry food items were stored in vermin proof metal containers and could be found in any early colonial kitchen. Items such as coffee, tea, rice and sago were stable food types and needed longer term storage and a higher degree of protection from vermin and the elements, a common material used during this time was sheet metal or tin such as is used today in a common form of storage the biscuit tin. An early example of colonial food storage used in a domestic setting, it is interesting to note the subject items have provision to be locked. This indicates the value early colonial settlers placed on the contents and used to prevent pilfering. The subject items are now sought by collectors. Canister set; set of four canisters. Cylindrical matching kitchen storage tins with hinge lid that has a latch closure, and a folding handle on top of lid. Canisters are painted brown and the body has a graphic of a scroll in gold with printed label of contents. The canisters range from small to large, "COFFEE", "TEA" , "SAGO", " RICE" (respective RNs 163.1, 163.2, 163.3, 163.4)Respectively labelled "COFFEE," "TEA," "SAGO," "RICE" flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, canister, canister set, rice canister, kitchen canister, food storage, domestic item

This set of kitchen dry food canisters is made of metal; each container has a different height, width and capacity. The rolled thin metal has created a strong, round design with decorative rings on the circumference. The base and close-fitting lid protect the contents from vermin and most insects, and the handle on top aids in the removal of the lid. Metal containers like these are reusable and can be re-purposed, which is advantageous when living in regional or rural areas. The type of manufacture indicates that the set was made in the late 19th to early 20th century. Gradually, colourful and attractive plastic kitchenware began to replace metalware. One of the canisters is labelled 'coffee'; coffee plants and seeds were transported from Brazil into Australia in 1788 when the First Fleet arrived although their growth was unsuccessful. However, by the 1920s, a tenth of the Australian population was drinking readily stored coffee. Large quantities of harvested grains such as maize, wheat and barley were protected from pests by being stored in airy buildings, often raised from the ground. This was an age-old practice used by civilizations such as the ancient Egyptians and early Hebrews. Smaller quantities of food for short-term use in the homes were stored in woven baskets or clay pots.This set of kitchen food containers is an example of colonial food storage used in a domestic setting to store and preserve dry ingredients. These canisters give a snapshot of early domestic life in Australia. Canister set; four cylindrical cream coloured metal canisters with domed lids that have lift-up handles on top. They are made from rolled metal and the bases and lids have a side seam. Each canister is a different size and displays a label for different contents. The adhesive labels are vertical, and a gold colour with black vertical text. The cream paint has brush strokes and small areas have exposed green paint under the cream. The insides of the bases are painted dark grey but the lids have no paint underneath. The empty canisters can fit one inside the other. Labels, in descending order: "FLOUR" "RICE" "SAGO" "COFFEE"flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, canister set, kitchen storage, food storage, metal canisters, dry food storage, food packaging, kitchen container, vintage, flour, rice, sago, coffee, kitchenalia, late 19th to early 20th centuries, nesting canisters

In 1873 James Griffiths migrated to Melbourne in order to start a tea Business. James lived in the Dandenongs at The Basin where he experimented with growing tea. Griffiths made tin canisters in the 2lbs size for their tea with common kitchen consumables listed on the front . The tins, when emptied, became useful kitchen canisters and helped promote the brand. Example of the names include Flour, Rice, Sugar, Sago, Candied Peel, Tapioca, Spices, Starch, Biscuits, Currants, Barley, String and of course Tea .Food storage rectangular tin, with a hinged lid. The outside is printed in cream and red with the name 'Griffith's Teas' and the word 'SAGO'. The text is set against a cream panel which is bordered with a decorative border of Australian native flora. The whole is set against a dark green background.On each other side of the tin is a different native Australian flower. The lid is impressed with a flannel flower.Printed on the front 'SAGO', also printed on the front and repeated on the top 'USE / GRIFFITHS' Teas / SYDNEY / MELBOURNE. ADELAIDE. BRISBANE'. On the front is the image of a train signal with the words 'SIGNAL / TRADE MARK'tea, james griffiths, canisters, city of moorabbin, cheltenham, melbourne, moorabbin, grocery stores, kitchen equipment

Robin Boyd developed a close friendship with the founder of the Bauhaus in Weimar Germany, Walter Gropius, who had moved to the USA in the 1930s. Through this connection, Boyd was invited to be the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Bemis Professor at the School in the North American academic year 1956-7. During this time, the Boyds purchased this set of melamine kitchen canisters. They were used for flour, sugar, rice and biscuits etc. Both Robin and Patricia liked melamine, and also had melamine serving dishes. Seven melamine containers with coloured exteriors (ranging from white through yellowy-green, orange and black) with black interiors and teak lids. Height ranges from 100-200mm, width ranges from 110-170mm, Base measures 100-155mmcookware, walsh st kitchenware, robin boyd

Set of 6 food canisters, with hinged lids and a metal carry handle.1. Flour 2. Sugar 3. Rice 4. Sago 5. 'illegible' 6. Coffeecanisters, food storage containers