The Dairy Supply Company Ltd. was one of two companies set up in the late 19th century by Sir George Barham (
Link ): Express Dairies brought milk into cities by rail, whilst the Dairy Supply Company provided the hardware that made this possible, namely milk-churns (invented by Barham). After his death, his two sons inherited one company each: Express Dairies went on to be a dominant brand under its own name, whilst the Dairy Supply Company became a component of its major rival, Dairy Crest.
The carving over the door lists the directors and secretary: Barham is listed, as is Viscount Combermere whose family seat in
SJ5844 is in the heart of Britain's richest dairying country.
The building became a Pizza Express in the 1960s: apparently Britain's oldest branch.
For the building in context, see
TQ3081 : Coptic Street, looking south. For other detail images, see
TQ3081 : Former Dairy Supply Company Limited building, Coptic Street,
TQ3081 : Former Dairy Supply Company Limited building, Coptic Street,
TQ3081 : Former Dairy Supply Company Limited building, Coptic Street,
TQ3081 : Former Dairy Supply Company Limited building, Coptic Street and
TQ3081 : Former Dairy Supply Company Limited building, Coptic Street.