"Passing Out" - As a Cooper... Ancient apprentice Ceremony in Pimlico...
Twenty two year old Ronald Barham of South Lambeth - today became a qualified cooper at the end of his six and half year apprenticeship. The ancient "passing out" ceremony was carried out at the Watney Brewery, Pimlico, in which Barham was placed in the first barrel of his own making - and fellow coopers enjoyed them selves by pouring various concoctions - including oily soot over him, rolled him around the mill room and finally his future health and skill as a new cooper was toasted by all present...
Keystone Photo Shows: Ronald Barham in the barrel is well and truly annointed with the concoctions with the aid of a mop - during the ceremony at Pimlico today.
Photo measures 5.75 x 8.25 inches.
Photo is dated 9-1-1950.
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