Cigarette Collection offers a snapshot of social history and how people have interacted with tobacco over time. Some of the items reflect the ironic relationship between the medical profession and the tobacco industry, while others illustrate the history of the societal attitudes toward smoking. The collection also includes objects that showcase the range of ways that cigarettes have been marketed, including as status symbols and social lubricants. Read More

In the 19th century, before health warnings were standard, cigarette manufacturers often included cards in their packages to promote their products. These cards were often illustrated with themes such as famous actors, animals and ships, and were either hand-painted or printed from blocks. Today, these cards are valuable collectibles.

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This collection consists of a large number of cigarette and trade card sets, organized by series in both folders and albums. Most of the cards are illustrated with scenes from military history, but there are also many depicting crests and badges, officers and VC winners, uniforms, aircraft, warships and modern war weapons.

This collection features a wide variety of tobacco packaging in all shapes and sizes, from the earliest examples through to more recent designs. Its broad scope demonstrates the enormous efforts made by tobacco and cigar companies to make their products appear exotic, luxurious, feminine, masculine or festive, as well as medicinal.