How the First World War changed the taste of Colman’s mustard

Colman’s Connections exhibition at the Forum. Pictured: Carrow Territorials. Picture: Reproduced courtesy of Unilever Unilever

It is a company deeply ingrained in the city’s history. Now, a new exhibition explores the role Colman’s played during the First World War – and how the conflict changed the taste of the firm’s famous product. LUKE POWELL reports

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Colman’s Connections exhibition at the Forum. Pictured: Colman's label 1929. Picture: Reproduced courtesy of Unilever Colman’s Connections exhibition at the Forum. Pictured: Colman's label 1929. Picture: Reproduced courtesy of Unilever

The impact of the First World War was felt deeply across our region – including in our biggest employers. More than 900 workers at Colman’s Carrow Road works signed up during the conflict, with the company promising them re-employment on their return and an additional salary.

The majority did return. But by the time the guns finally fell silent, in November 1918, 93 had been killed.

The lives of those who fought – as well as those who remained with the firm – are the focus of a new exhibition being held at the Forum next month. Researchers have spent months trawling through archives held by the Norfolk Record Office and the company itself – including copies of in-house Carrow Works magazine – to learn more about its war years.

Carol Webb, researcher for the Colman’s Connections exhibition, said: “It proved to be a thoroughly fascinating experience. Once I started the research it became totally engrossing.

The book and exhibition The project received more than £37,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund. As well as an exhibition, the information will be compiled in a new book. The exhibition is open from November 2 to 13 and will include a series of talks and workshops at the Forum. The book will be on sale at the Colman’s Mustard Shop and Museum at the Royal Arcade in Norwich.

“I hadn’t known about the philanthropic attitude of the Colman family towards their staff but this soon became obvious. I was fascinated by the detail of the company’s record keeping.”

Researchers found that at the start of the war, company directors had promised to re-employ all of its staff who volunteered to fight.

While on active duty, they were paid five shillings each week, plus an extra shilling per child.

By March 31, 1919, Colman’s had paid out nearly £50,000.

The war posed huge challenges for the factory as such significant numbers of employees, including senior members of staff, had enlisted.

In addition to staffing problems, land used for growing mustard seed was reduced by 60pc as food production took priority.

The company’s response was to alter the proportion of white and brown seed used in production, leading to a much milder tasting mustard during the war years.

The lack of imported goods and the need for certain materials to be used for the war effort meant that packaging was also affected.

As timber stocks plummeted, the company had to substitute cardboard for tin tops and bottoms, which was more costly.

Are you researching the history of a long-standing Norfolk organisation? Call Luke Powell on 01603 772684 or email luke.powell@archant.co.uk