A networking and welcome event for University of Exeter MA/PhD students featuring an exclusive screening of the film ‘Unsweetened: Ode to Biscuits’.  The film tells the story of Reading’s Huntley and Palmers biscuit factory, which began life as a small baker’s shop in 1822. Within 40 years, the company that created the Gingernut and Bath Olivers was exporting its goods across the globe and Reading became known as Biscuit Town, home to the largest biscuit manufacturer in the world.

Following the screening the filmmakers, Teresa Murjas and James Rattee, will discuss the production of the film and why they enjoy working with historical subject-matter, archival resources, and heritage institutions. We will also consider how Huntley and Palmers biscuit empire was caught up in the processes and ideologies of British imperialism, as well as reflect on the links to be drawn between the global growth of Victorian Britain’s food system and industrialized food production and consumption today.

The event is free, and numbers are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. If you do book, please do ensure you attend, as otherwise your ticket will go to waste. This event has been funded by the South West Doctoral Training Partnership and the University of Exeter’s Food Network and Department of English.

IMAGE CREDIT: Archive reference HP 60, University of Reading Special Collections.

VENUE: EXETER PHOENIX