Shippam's Three Beans

From the collection of

Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton collects, preserves, catalogues and provides public access to its collection of films and magic lantern slides. The collection charts the rise of screen culture in the region and the nation and captures many aspects of life, work and creativity in the South East from the late 19th century to the present day. It is available for research, screenings, creative re-use and commercial access.

Shippam's Three Beans

Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton
1955-01-01
Sound
1m

Operatic chickens, shrimps and salmon sing-a-long with a paste pot chorus in this vibrantly animated advert for Shippam's

This delightfully musical animation features chickens, shrimp, salmon and a chorus of Shippam's paste pots singing to operatic arias from Mozart's Marriage of Figaro, Rossini's Barber of Seville and the Blue Danube Waltz by Johann Strauss - singing the delights of having Shippam's pastes for your tea.

Shippam, one of Chichester's most famous family businesses, began as a grocery store in 1786, evolving into a food manufacturer by 1886. A range of potted meats and fish pastes was introduced in 1894 and Shippam's products gained hugely in popularity. The Chichester premises expanded throughout the 20th century and by 1960 the company entered the ready-meals market with a canned Chicken Supreme. After a number of ownership changes from 1974 onwards, the company became part of Prince's Ltd in 2001, and the Shippam's brand survives to this day. Various advertising agencies produced commercials for Shippam's including the London Press Exchange, later part of Leo Burnett and Foote, Cone and Belding Ltd.

Commercial Television

The launch of ITV on 22 September 1955 brought advertising to the small screen. Commercial television spread rapidly across the country, inviting the salesperson into every living room.

This collection shows how some advertisers struggled to find the right voice and formats for the new medium, while others hit the ground running. Look out for rare examples of the shortlived 'admags' - banned in 1962 for blurring the distinction between programmes and adverts.