Roger’s Chocolates Bill Brownridge Art Tins
Late last year, Bill signed yet another contract with yet another continental leader, this one a leader in chocolate — Rogers’ Chocolates. This famous company began right here in Victoria in 1885. Bill has had his art on other chocolate boxes and several of his images can be seen on jigsaw puzzles. Naturally all these can be easily purchased. Please email if you need help.
Back to Roger’s Chocolates, it all began when the son of a Massachusetts farmer, Charles “Candy” Rogers moved to Victoria B.C. in 1885. He very quickly established a “green grocery” on the west side of Government Street, across from the location he would later develop into the iconic heritage store we call home today. Alongside the fruits and vegetables, Charles sold chocolates that were imported from San Francisco. He married a local girl, Leah Morrison and with tourists and locals buying up their sweets as fast as they could stock the shelves, Charles decided to begin making the chocolates himself.
His very first and original creation, the Victoria Cream, quickly became a local favourite and thus began his career as Canada’s first chocolatier. While he developed his skills over a steamy cauldron in the backroom, Leah worked hard out front managing the retail store. Together they built a thriving business in the heart of British Columbia’s capital city.