Del Monte by A.E. Mitchell

By far, A.E. Mitchell’s most well-known commercial artwork was for the California Packing Corporation, the Del Monte logo and labels.

The photo of the tomato label in the background here from the History San Jose Museum shows the fancy scroll work he was known for (see the first image in the gallery below), and English-style hand lettering. The first logo and labels were done very early in this century, before 1906, according to a caption for this label displayed at History San Jose Museum.

What is not clear is which produce images are his work on the labels. This page will explore the work he did for a few produce operations.

The earliest Del Monte logo that features Andrew's art. This is a very fancy logo and label, and Del Monte simplified it over the years. Click on the image and it will take you to the History San Jose page that credits A.E. Mitchell.

Dell Monte logo - the earliest logo Andrew did for Del Monte

Antique Del Monte can bank - family collection

Andrew's letting on display at the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition for Del Monte. The display won an award...see next image. Click on this image above to go to the website with more info on the photo.

Del Monte products won first price at the PPIE in San Francisco, 1915.

Del Monte Panama Pacific International Exposition entrance with Andrew's Del Monte logo featured. Click on the image to go to the site about this photo.

Andrew's son Bryant's letter about the Del Monte labels. He is making an inquiry about it, and estimates the timeframe of the design, but it was actually in the very early 1900s that Andrew designed the logo and first label.

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The very first label for Del Monte at the top of this display of labels through the years was replaced by Andrew's colorful label before 1906. This framed label collection is at History San Jose museum.

The full framed display of labels through the years at History San Jose museum.

History San Jose display - the caption says this label was created before 1906.

This Del Monte shield shows a change in the outline of the shield. Now it is gold. Year unknown.

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Del Monte can from the 1970s...Andrew's lettering is still intact, but the D and M have been simplified.

Andrew did work for the California Packing Corp. when doing the Del Monte labels, and this label is also from CPC, but it is unclear if he worked on the Holly brand.

Andrew did work for the California Packing Corp. when doing the Del Monte labels, and this label is also from CPC, but it is unclear if he worked on the Sweet Briar brand.

Del Monte logo preserved on the side of Cannery, San Francisco. Photo: Chris Carlsson

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