Historical information

This food safe is a mass-produced item made for domestic use by Willow Manufacturing in Australia fin the mid-20th century.

Willow started a business in 1887 as a metalworking company based in Melbourne Australia, making tinned biscuit and tea canisters. In the First World War, the company began manufacturing armaments and essential packaging for the war effort.

In the early 1920s, Willow produced domestic kitchen bakeware such as tin-plated canisters and baking pans labelled with the well-known Willow brand. Other items at this time include billies, boilers, basins and Coolgardie safes.

In the late 1950s, the company ventured into plastics production. and in 1965, the name changed to Willow Ware Pty Ltd, to be more closely linked to its Willow brand. Willow Ware is still in business today.

Significance

The Australian food safe is an example of domestic food storage and preservation in Australian homes from the mid-19th century and early 20th centuries. It is part of the evolution of food preservation methods leading up to our modern electric appliances.
The maker, Willow, has a name associated with practical and reliable domestic products.

Physical description

Metal kitchen safe with two shelves, a hinged door and latch and a small swivel wire handle at the top. Painted light green. Airflow holes have been formed in each side panel. Made by Willow, Australia.

Inscriptions & markings

Marked "Made in Australia" "Willow"