District Dispatch - 22 July 2025

Whether it was the familiar glass jars in the kitchen cupboard, the catchy jingles on TV, or the stories shared around the dinner table, Shippam's was a household name.

That's why I'm pleased to tell you about The Novium Museum's new exhibition, Hurrah for Shippam's, which opened on 12 July. This isn't just a look back at a company — it's a celebration of the people, the memories, and the community spirit that made Shippam's such a beloved part of Chichester's story.

The exhibition explores the extraordinary story of the Shippam's company - from its beginnings as a family grocer in 1786 to its rise as a beloved household name. Through vibrant archival material, personal memories, and rarely-seen objects from the factory floor, the exhibition offers a nostalgic and surprising journey into the heart of a business that was woven into everyday life in Chichester for more than two centuries.

Founded in Chichester in the 18th century, Shippam's became a pioneering force in food production, preservation and advertising - one of the first British companies to harness the power of television. Though the East Walls factory closed in 2002, its legacy endures in the memories of former employees, the iconic branding, and the wishbone and clock still visible today.

Thanks to a generous grant from Arts Council England amounting to £44,593, the exhibition is the culmination of an ambitious project to catalogue and share the museum's extensive Shippam's advertising archive. Over the past year, museum staff and volunteers have digitised historic material and gathered personal stories from the local community through oral history interviews. The Novium Museum has worked collaboratively with West Sussex Record Office and Screen Archive South East to research the three separate archives held by these institutions relating to Shippam's. Material from all three collections will be showcased in the exhibition.

We've heard some incredible stories through this project - from lifelong careers and workplace romances to family traditions and famous adverts. We're proud to share this exhibition with our community and visitors, and to celebrate a brand that still holds a very special place in people's hearts. It's also a reminder that heritage isn't just about buildings or artefacts — it's about people. The exhibition also brings together a treasure trove of rarely-seen artefacts, from factory floor tools and staff uniforms to vintage adverts and quirky packaging.

A programme of free Shippam's-themed family days will run during the school summer holidays, offering craft activities and object-handling sessions inspired by the collection. A series of evening talks will also accompany the exhibition, exploring different aspects of Shippam's legacy - from personal reflections and oral history to behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the exhibition. Visitors will also be invited to attend Memory Mornings, where they can explore Shippam's objects, enjoy a cup of tea, and share their own memories of the iconic local company. For information about these events, visit The Novium Museum's 'What's On' page (opens new window).

So, whether you're a lifelong resident who remembers the factory in its heyday, or a newcomer curious about Chichester's past, I really would encourage you to visit.

Admission is free - and there's plenty other exhibitions and highlights to view while you are there. For more details, visit The Novium Museum's 'Shippam's' page (opens new window).

Councillor John Cross
Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Place
Chichester District Council