Historical information

In 1868, Walter Sheldrick, a Warrnambool butcher, established a company to operate the Warrnambool New Brewery (at the corner of Timor and Fairy Streets). The company was wound up but the brewery continued to operate as Sheldrick and Co., with Walter Sheldrick and Thomas Price as principal partners. Sheldrick died in 1893 but the brewery continued with various partners in the business. In 1894 the brewery was sold to James W. McGee and Co. and this firm operated the brewery until its demise in 1922 when it was bought out by the Ballarat, Melbourne Co-Operative and Carlton and United Breweries and closed.

Significance

This demijohn is of interest as it came from the Warrnambool New Brewery (closed 1922). This brewery, known as Sheldrick’s was a prominent business in Warrnambool for over 50 years.

Physical description

This is a circular-shaped stone jar enclosed in a wicker case with handles. The jar has a circular yellow top with no stopper.

Inscriptions & markings

‘James W. McGee & Co Wmbool’