Purity, value and efficiency were the watchwords of James Mellis and Company of Prestonpans. The company made a variety of domestic and industrial soaps and detergents that were retailed throughout the Lothians.

This small bag is made of machine stitched bleached cotton. It is printed on one side with (partially faded) text identifying JAS MELLIS & CO of PRESTONPANS, NO1 SOAP POWDER, 7 LBS (pounds weight). The text is disposed around a red circular trademark showing Preston Cross and symbols of industry, agriculture and fishing..

Prestonpans Soapworks began in the early nineteenth century and was in business until after World War II. It traded for most of this period as James Mellis and Company. It was a comparatively small scale plant and was unable to compete with national and multinational manufacturers in the later part of the 20th century.