Discover how the Bass red triangle, born in Burton upon Trent, became the UK’s first registered trade mark in 1876 and a lasting symbol of British brewing heritage.
The Bass Red Triangle: Britain’s First Trade Mark, Born in East Staffordshire
East Staffordshire has played a defining role in Britain’s industrial and cultural history — and one of its most important global legacies began in Burton upon Trent with a simple red triangle.
In 1876, the Bass red triangle became the first officially registered trade mark in the United Kingdom, securing its place as UK Trade Mark No. 1. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of Burton’s brewing heritage and Britain’s leadership in brand protection.
Burton upon Trent and the Birth of Trade Marks
The introduction of the Trade Marks Registration Act 1875 transformed how businesses operated across the UK. For the first time, companies could formally register and protect their brands — a crucial step in an era of rapid industrial growth.
Bass & Co, one of Burton upon Trent’s most influential breweries, recognised the opportunity immediately. As the new register opened at the very start of 1 January 1876, Bass ensured its application was submitted first, securing:
- UK Trade Mark No. 1 – the red triangle
- Plus registrations numbered 2 and 3
This decisive moment placed Burton upon Trent at the very heart of British intellectual property history.
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Why the Red Triangle Worked
The red triangle had already been used by Bass since the 1850s, long before trade marks were protected by law. Its strength lay in its simplicity.
At a time when literacy levels varied, the bold geometric shape:
- Was instantly recognisable
- Stood out clearly on bottles and barrels
- Allowed customers to identify quality at a glance
It is a textbook example of early brand design — and one that remains relevant today.
From Local Brewery to Global Icon
What began in Burton upon Trent quickly gained international recognition. The Bass red triangle became one of the world’s earliest global brands, exported wherever British beer travelled.
Its cultural impact extended far beyond brewing. The symbol famously appears in Édouard Manet’s A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, making it one of the first branded products to feature in a major work of modern art. It has also appeared in literature and popular culture, reinforcing its iconic status.
A Lasting Part of East Staffordshire’s Heritage
Today, the Bass red triangle represents more than a beer label. It tells a wider story about:
- Innovation in Burton upon Trent
- The rise of British manufacturing
- The importance of protecting creativity and identity
As the first registered trade mark in the UK, it connects East Staffordshire directly to a national system that still supports millions of businesses worldwide.
Discover Burton’s Brewing Legacy
The story of the Bass red triangle is just one chapter in East Staffordshire’s rich industrial heritage. From world-famous breweries to canals, museums and historic streets, Burton upon Trent continues to celebrate the legacy that shaped Britain — and influenced the world.
Whether you’re a heritage enthusiast, a visitor, or a business inspired by the past, this small red triangle remains a big reminder of where British branding began.