It doesn’t seem that long ago when cigarette advertising was the norm: they were seen on billboards, in magazines, in cinemas, in newsagents, on Formula One racing cars (remember the eye-catching Lotus with the striking black and gold of John Player Special?) and even in the world of professional tennis!
Recently, I came across three magazine adverts from 1987 that reminded me of how prominent and creative cigarette advertising was. With so many cigarette brands attempting to entice, creativity was paramount – subtle, bold, colourful, stylish, elegant, playful, cool, sporty – all elements tapped into to create memorable adverts.
Current state of play for cigarette advertising… non-existent! No colourful ads in magazines, no billboards, no cinema advertising, no newsagent advertising and completely gone from the sporting worlds of Formula One and professional tennis.
Health warnings are at the forefront of cigarette packaging and branding has been severely watered down. The days of smoky pubs and nightclubs resulting in our clothes stinking of cigarette smoke, whilst probably bringing back some of the best times of our lives, are distant memories that have absolutely no chance of returning.
I’m leaving you with a photo of me taken around 1977 (posing whilst clutching a pack of Opal Fruits). Behind me is a billboard that shows how prominent cigarette advertising was back in the day.
I remember this very well. I grew up in the 1960s and 70s, so it was even more prevalent. I remember standing in line at my bank, pregnant with my first child, while people behind me were smoking. The bank had ashtrays, too. On a side note: just curious if you still have that same expression on your face sometimes!
Yes, you’re absolutely right, Karen, I also remember going into a bank during the 70s and customers were smoking. I want to say that these days I NEVER have that expression on my face, but, I’m sure in some situations… hahaha