Horner's was established in 1911 in Chester-le-Street, Co Durham on the site of another confectioners JW Luccock & Co. The founder was George William Horner, a Norfolk man. Mermaid Toffees were one of the original brands to be produced and Dainty Dinah toffees followed shortly afterwards in 1914. The company expanded rapidly in the 1920s, branch factories were opened in Edinburgh and London. The company grew from strength to strength throughout the 1930s with new lines being added until the Second World War curtailed most sweet production. GW Horner died in 1947 and his son, George Kenneth Horner resigned his commission in the Life Guards to take over the business. The 1950s saw much competition from the growing chocolate factories and Horners concentrated on export to the detriment of the home market. The age of the factory premises and problems with company strategy eventually led to the company going into receivership in 1961.

The Dainty Dinah Brand was introduced c1914 and the original logo was slightly different to the well-known face we see on most tins. The original design was used from 1914 to 1917 and is an Edwardian lady with a parasol. The later version was designed by William H Barribal a figure painter from London. The model is, however, unknown. Many ladies in the area around Chester-le-Street have claimed to be the original.

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