A NEW exhibition celebrating the 250th anniversary of Terry’s of York opens today at York’s Chocolate Story.

It will showcase a selection of the most interesting Terry’s products - from opium-based throat sweets to ‘some of the most beautiful and decadent chocolate boxes in history’.

A selection of old favourites such as Neapolitan, Spartan and Waifa will be on display as well as some curiosities like the poison cards contained in early Terry’s confectionery, warning of ingredients such as Mercury and Belladonna (Opium).

A spokeswoman for the visitor attraction in Kings Square said Terry’s was established in 1767 by partners Bayldon and Berry.

They opened a shop in the city selling lozenges, comfits and other simple confectionery before being joined in the 19th century by apothecary, Joseph Terry.

“Luckily, experience in sugaring pastilles and pills meant that Mr Terry adapted easily to a career in confectionery and his scientific background made him a pioneer of new products and a precise attitude to quality,” she said.

“It was this quality and innovation which made the company famous.

“By the 20th century, Terry’s had introduced the world to the boxed chocolate assortment as well as one of the world’s most iconic confectionery: The Terry’s Chocolate Orange.”

She revealed that in the 1960s, one in ten people in the UK received a Terry’s Chocolate Orange in their Christmas stocking.

Exhibition coordinator Jenni Shepherd said it had been ‘a joy’ putting together the exhibition.

“As well as collecting wonderful objects I have also had the opportunity to talk to so many people who worked at Terry’s,” she said.

“The stories from the factories themselves and the pride of the people who worked there is what makes the company so interesting.

“These unique tales and memories are what ensures that Terry’s will always have a legacy in the city of York.”

She said the exhibition would also explore the social impact on the city of Terry’s, which had inspired Lord Mayors, horse races and iconic architecture as well as the lives of tens of thousands of residents who worked for the company.

The exhibition, 250 Years of Terry’s, at the Chocolate Story attraction, runs until the end of the year.