Retro Musings includes magazine adverts and catalogue scans from 1930's to 1990's, plus anything else which takes my fancy (like LP covers and knitting patterns).
Go to Brands & Products to see a list of all the items I have added so far, or view by category or decade via the menus above and below.
“So friendly to your taste!” These stylised ads for Pall Mall cigarettes date from 1957-59. They were illustrated by Disney artist Mary Blair.
“I don’t know how he does it” These black and white photo story ad’s for Colgate toothpaste date from 1944, a style which was used for several years. All the ads featured unlucky-in-love soldiers and sailors with various dental hygiene issues.
“”Scotland’s prince of whiskies.”” These illustrated ads for Chivas Regal whisky ran from 1958-60. The artists included Phil Hays, Herbert Danska, Antonio Frasconni, Sven Palmquist, Alfred D. Crim, and Harvey Woolhiser. Each advert used a different artist, commissioned to create an interpretation of Robert the Bruce using various art forms.
“The Letterman look.”These ads for men’s fashions made from Du Pont “Dacron” polyester, and “Orlon” acrylic fibre date from 1960-61. The ads had a sports theme and the models used were mostly college age.
“Mildness is a pleasure with Pall Mall.” These ads for Pall Mall cigarettes date from 1956-57. Where previously they had all been illustrated, they were now a mixture of illustration or black and white photo. All still had red block backgrounds with white text, or red text on white as per older campaigns.
“You can wash this coat!”These ads for jackets and coats treated with Du Pont “Zelan” water replant date from 1959. Each long half page ad featured models braving the outdoors.
“Reward yourself!” These ads for Pall Mall cigarettes date from 1954-56. As per their previous ad campaigns, all illustrations of happy smokers were black and white, with red text on the white background or white text on a solid red background.
“If you’ve got it, flaunt it – elegantly!” Ebony magazine’s April 1973 fashion shoot for men was all about colourful leisure looks with comfort, class, plaid and pinstripes. The photoshoot took the “tremendous trio” to the Caribbean island of Curacao where they lounged about on bridges, rock pools and against craggy walls.
“So light, so neat!”These ads for men’s suits made from Du Pont “Orlon” acrylic fibre date from 1958. The ads featured a close up shot of a man’s jacketed torso on one side, with a full length shot in the distance on the other. The backgrounds were illustrations of fun outdoor activities.
“Let your throat enjoy smooth smoking!” These ads for Pall Mall cigarettes date from 1953-54. They were very similar to the later ads of previous campaign, with red and white backgrounds, and black and white illustrated smokers.
“Great expectations…great refreshment.” These illustrated ads for Carling’s “Red Cap” ale date from 1948-49, with illustrations by L.M. Simpson.
“How to own big dreams on a small budget.” These car ads for Dodge Dart by Chrysler are from 1961. They didn’t have a tagline as such, but all had “Dodge Dart!!” somewhere on them.
“The age of Orlon.”These ads for men’s suits and slacks made from Du Pont “Orlon” acrylic fibre date from 1959. The ads had a space theme with plants, rockets and spacemen in the background.
“Guard against throat-scratch.” These ads for Pall Mall cigarettes date from 1949-53. They were all full page ads with red and white backgrounds, and black and white illustrated smoking busts.
“Silky Red Cap. Silky Carling’s.” These illustrated ads for Carling’s “Red Cap” ale date from 1947-48. They all had dark green backgrounds and a mixture of outline and full illustrations.
“Your engine makes this much acid every day.” These amazing illustrated ads for Shell “X-100” motor oil date from 1951-52 and featured artwork by Boris Artzybasheff.
“Comfort-Conditioned Homes!” These ads for Fiberglas insulation, screening, and panelling by Owns-Corning date from 1957-60.
“In fall slacks Orlon adds the future.”These ads for men’s suits and slacks made from Du Pont “Orlon” acrylic fibre date from 1958. The ads had little illustrations of spaceships, satellites, and other flying crafts at the bottom.
“Outstanding!” These ads for Pall Mall cigarettes date from 1947-49. They were all long, half-page ads with a bright red background and plain white text.
“Extra Point: Orlon”These ads for men’s suits made from Du Pont “Orlon” acrylic fibre date from 1957. The ads all show men standing in front of a faint American Football scene.
“Luckies tastes better!” These illustrated ads for Lucky Strike cigarettes date from 1953.
“Package of smiles!” These graphic style ads for Dr West’s “Miracle Tuft” toothbrushes date from 1947-52, with photography by Bauman-Greene.
“Never a rough puff!” These ads for Lucky Strike cigarettes date from 1950 and featured various celebrities of the time.
“Be happy-go lucky!” These illustrated ads for Lucky Strike cigarettes date from 1950-52.
“Feel your level best!” These ads for Lucky Strike cigarettes date from early to mid 1949.
“Luckies pay more!” These ads for Lucky Strike cigarettes date from 1949-50.
“Lucky strike presents The Man Who Knows.” These illustrated ads for Lucky Strike cigarettes date from 1948.
“Comfort in action!”These ads for men’s fashions made from Du Pont “Dacron” polyester, “Orlon” acrylic fibre, and “Nylon” date from 1956-59. The ads feature men in various sporting and leisure scenarios.
