These are just a tiny taste of what you’ll find over at Sheaff-Ephemera. Check out their gigantic collection here!
All posts tagged Trade Card
Farmer Bros. Photo Backs
This here is a what you call a fancy schmancy find. All of these are from the same photographer’s studio, (in what I guess to be the 1800s) The Farmer Brothers in Hamilton, Ontario. vintage photo card, folks.
They would put their photos on these cards (much thicker than today’s photos), which acted as the frame and double as a trade card (aka business card). I love how over the top some of these get. I’m a girl…I like frills :)
I wonder what caused the jump from the organic, flourishy design to the much simplified, geometric style?
Image by John Rochon, via his Flikr.
Vintage Beauties at Sheaff Ephemera
When I started this blog I mentioned one of my all-time favorite sites: Sheaff-Ephemera. Here’s another sampling of some of their collections. They’re always adding to it and it’s a phenomenal resource for inspiration. All images are owned by Sheaff Ephemera. Go to their site to drool over their amazing collections!!
John Whiting’s Brushes Ad, ca 1880
This trade card (ca 1880s) is advertising John L. Whiting & Son, a brush-making company that made brushes from fine artists brushes to brooms and shaving brushes. They were unique in their advertising by marketing towards both black and white business owners, something that was very uncommon for the 1800s.
Via the blog for the Princeton Graphic Arts Collection’s.
1876 Vibrator Trade Card
You know I had to do it. I’ll let you know how big the spike in readership is..
So, I’ve rounded up a little more Gaslight design! I’m on a kick..above are a few trade cards from the 1800s worth a look.
Victorian Gaslight Style, Pt I
This 3D style is often times called “Gaslight Style” and falls into the Victorian design bracket. It’s thought to have evolved out of the optical illusions created by streetlights on storefront signage. The lights would cast shadows, causing the designs to look 3D.
Have a look inside the post for more history & examples… Continue reading →
Recent Comments