While we usually offer a behind-the-scenes site tour for Richmond Doors Open , this year we move the tour online, with a look at some of the salmon can labels in the Society Archive’s Branter Collection. Take a virtual tour of a selection of labels with Collections Manager Heidi Rampfl (video below), and have a look at some of the Cannery team’s favourite labels in this photo gallery (click on images for a full view).
Favourite Labels from the Cannery Crew
Andrea’s pick: “I like the Sea-Gull Brand because to me it is very Steveston. One of my favourite parts about working at the Cannery is opening the sliding receiving floor door. I often think about what it would’ve looked like back in time – I imagine the river full of salmon and gulls flying overhead.” (Credit: City of Richmond Archives, BC Packers Ltd. Fonds, Series 5, Sub-series 4)
Julia’s pick: “This is my favourite label because of the colours and imagery used. It makes me think of springtime and all the spring salmon.” (Credit: Image I-61291 courtesy of RBCM Archives)
Rob likes this Searchlight Salmon label’s distinctive colour (blue), plus the image of the giant salmon being illuminated by searchlights above the battleships is uniquely bizarre. (G2015.009.202)
Johanna’s pick: “When I arrived in Canada [from France] I had this image of First Nations and I didn’t know their history and how diverse they are. It was an image for European consumers and even many years after we still have the same stereotypical image.” (Paddler Brand label G2015.009.026)
Tara’s favourite label has to be the one with the bicycle on it! Having grown up in Vancouver, Tara has been getting around by bike for as long as she can remember (and even has a tattoo of one of her favourite bikes on her arm). When the weather is nice, she is even known to commute to work on two wheels for more than an hour each way. (Image I-51971 courtesy of RBCM Archives)
Mimi’s pick: ” I like this BlossomTime Brand label because it depicts my favourite time of year (Spring) and the cherry blossoms that I love so much. I’m not sure what (which species) a “Medium Red Salmon” is, and the label is from Seattle Washington, but when I look at this label it reminds me of springtime in Steveston.”
Stephanie’s pick: “This Gold Camel Brand label is my favorite for so many reasons! One, whoever thought to connect a desert – a place that invokes dry, water-less and barren spaces would inspire consumers to buy packed fish? I love it because it is so silly, endearing, and so atypical. Deserts are also my favorite and I’ve spent a fair amount of time trudging through the sands; this label brings me back to those happy memories, sunshine and the vibrant sunny days. I don’t know that I would want to eat salmon when looking at this label, but it would definitely stand out on a packed shelf!” (G2001.003.002)
Doors Open Richmond 2020
The Label Unwrapped: A Behind the Scenes Look at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society Archives Salmon Can Labels
VIDEO
To see what other Richmond sites have on offer for Doors Open, visit the event website here.Â
Posted by m.horita
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