Historical information

These postcards were produced to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the launch of Velvet Soap by the manufacturer J. Kitchen & Sons.

Kitchen & Sons was owned and managed by John Ambrose Kitchen. He emigrated from Britain to Australia in 1854 and like many others, tried his hand on the goldfields. Unsuccessful in his mining pursuits, Kitchen established a tallow candle works with his father and brothers in Melbourne. This became one of Australia's most successful soap and candle manufacturers.

Velvet soap was introduced as a brand name by 1900 and another well brand “Solvol” was introduced by 1915. The firm was employing 1000 workers across Australia when it merged with the British firm Lever Bros in 1914. The Australian subsidiary remained under Kitchen family control. The business was progressively acquired by Lever Brothers, culminating in a formal amalgamation in 1962 to form Lever & Kitchen Pty Ltd.

John Ambrose died on 24 May 1922 leaving an estate of £46,014, much of which was left to a range of charities.

Velvet soap is still available for sale although its ownership has passed through several different amalgamations and manufacturers.

Significance

This collection is significant because it commemorates the heritage of a widely used Australian product and business.

Physical description

A set of six postcards featuring coloured images of advertising used to promote Velvet soap.