Tooth’s KB Lager ‘CAR LIGHTS’ Poster

John Tooth, a native of Kent, England, realised the potential for a brewery in Sydney, and in partnership with his brother-in-law, Charles Newnham, built a brewery in 1835 on a 5-acre block of land at what was then called Blackwattle Creek.

During the early part of the twentieth century the company expanded through the acquisition of many country and city breweries. Most were closed, effectively shutting out competition, but some continued brewing for a few more years. Many of the closed breweries were used as depots.

KB (Kent Brewery) Lager was introduced in 1918 as their first ‘lager beer’. It was after this event that the marketing department embarked on an expansive poster and pub signage campaign that proved extremely popular and ingrained into Sydney culture. This poster was designed by Walter Lacy Jardine. Jardine’s reputation as a leading commercial artist in Australia was based on his dexterity and versatility. He was a master of line and brush work—half-tone, colour, pen-and-ink and dry brush. In retirement he continued to work into his 80s. ‘A somewhat cadaverous, big-nosed, straight-backed man’, Jardine had an austere manner and a gentle nature.