Long Read
A Family Business
When, in 1869, a young couple of set up a small dairy shop in a small property they rented on London’s Drury Lane, no one could have predicted that this would go on to become a nation-wide retailer, known to families right across the country.
Photo Story
Working Lives
From the first year to the present day the staff have always played a hugely important role in the company, but how have the people and their jobs changed?
Long Read
Women at Work
During the 19th century, shop keeping was generally regarded as an unsuitable job for women, not least because of the long working hours and heavy lifting it entailed. However, it was both common and acceptable for female family members to work in smaller shops.
Long Read
Wartime Trading
Before the First World War, over 75% of the butter, cheese, eggs and bacon consumed in the UK came from overseas. The outbreak of war brought an urgent need to cut down on imports to save foreign currency, and to reallocate shipping to the war effort. Food shortages therefore became a serious issue.
Audio Story
Harry's Story
Welcome to Harry Webb's story. This on-line audio book describes through pictures a typical day in the life of a delivery boy working for Sainsbury's in 1912.
Video Story
Football Fever
View footage of by the Sainsbury Staff Association Ciné Club of the Cup Final football game on 21 March 1964 between Griffin Q Section (team comprised of Sainsbury's staff) and London Transport Chiswick.
Long Read
Remembering Mr J.D.
We take a look at the career of Sainsbury’s former chairman and chief executive John Davan Sainsbury, Lord Sainsbury of Preston Candover KG.
Quick Read
Royal Occasions
Look back at long tradition of celebrations of royal occasions by Sainsbury’s stores.
Long Read
Staff Registers
The Archive has digitized a large quantity of staff registers compiled between the 1890s and 1929, containing information about thousands of Sainsbury’s employees. Find out more here.
Video Story
Take One Ingredient
Over the course of the last two years the Archive have been working on a joint outreach project concentrating on food, health and wellbeing with our partners Interference Art and Portland Basin Museum, supported by the Linbury Trust. Read about the project here.
Long Read
'JS Journal'
The magazine ‘JS Journal’ contains a wealth of information about Sainsbury’s and its staff spanning eight decades. Find out more about its contents and how to access them digitally here.
Video Story
Archive Talk: Family History in the Sainsbury Archive
Listen to Archivist, Allison Foster, give an introduction to family history in our collection, including what material we hold and where to start a search.
Quick Read
'Food For Talk' Dementia Resource
Use our printer-friendly downloadable PDF, containing key tools for self-led conversation / activity.
Quick Read
Sport Ventures
Did you know that Sainsbury’s had a cricket team as early as 1915? Let's look at different sport and social activities on offer and how they evolved over time.