There were tinplate workers in Wales and Liverpool, probably London as well.
America had the biggest industry, it then caught on here
Hiya LouisaS
Thought you would like to know that the British tinplate industry can be recorded back to the 17century. [although tinplate working was an ancient skill]
In the mid 1840's Britain became the major exporter of tinplate goods, by the mid 1890's America took an isolationist stance and through a new act, which raised average duty on imports to almost 50%, an act designed to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. Equally, a large # of tinplate workers had emmigrated to the USA, which further enhanced the USA's role of tinplate manufacturing.
It was never the case of America leading the 'pack' on this industry, but rather the other way round, insofar as Britain was the dominant force in the industry and America followed the Britsh.
just wanted to clear this issue up
best wishes
failsafe
