The Kilner jar is an example of classic, iconic design that worked and remains in production because it works. It is everywhere, yet most won’t know what it is called.
It’s all about the way the lid seals to make an airtight container.
John Kilner and Company of Yorkshire made the original screwtop verison of the jar in 1837. After a couple of years, they moved from Castleford to Wakefield and rebranded as John Kilner and Sons (John and Caleb, George and William). George and William took over, then, as Kilner Brothers Glass and later as Kilner Bros, they introduced the patented wire seal shown above in 1900, and also obtained the patent for the Mason Jar.
Ravenhead Glass, Cannington, Shaw & Co, Nuttall Co, Alfred Alexander & Co and Robert Candlish & Son combined in 1913 as a public company named The United Glass Bottle Manufacturers Ltd.
So when Kilner went bankrupt in 1937 all the patents were bought by The United Glass Bottle Manufacturers Ltd ensuring the Kilner Jar’s continuation.
Today the brand is offered by The Rayware Group of Liverpool – you can visit their site here, they also offer other historic, iconic British brands.
The wired lid from the 1900s has been adapted – along with the rubber gasket ring for bottles – particularly for beers.
There was even a fashion trend in the 1980s where school children removed Grolsch bottle tops from the glass bottle, and affixed them to their shoes through their shoelaces. The tops made a noise when walking. Schools banned this, of course, not merely because of the noise, but also because it promoted alcohol drinking in minors. Nevertheless, it reinforces how iconic this Kilner closure is, it is a design and cultural icon from Victorian Britain right through to today.
Posted by Dave 
:: art of design :: 