Empire tea centenary celebrations

This image shows the elephant parade organised as part of the Empire tea centenary celebrations that took part in London on 10 January 1939. The ceremonial procession involved three richly decorated elephants each bearing a dozen caskets of tea. The parade travelled from St. Katharine's Dock to the City of London to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the first consignment of Empire tea to be auctioned in Mincing Lane. The parade was followed by a ceremony in Plantation House with the Lord Mayor of London Sir Frank Bowater, where he sealed a golden casket containing a special blend of tea from India, Africa & Ceylon. This was later presented to King George VI as a symbol of loyalty & devotion of the industry during the last 100 years. Also present at the ceremony was Sabu the film star elephant boy.