During my college years I was home for the holidays and visiting my grandparents house. My grandfather’s basement looks like a natural disaster has blown through, but let me tell you…there are soooo many treasures in that space. (He’s a bit of a hoarder.) While I was looking around I came across some of his advertising stuff and my heart sank. How could he have THIS kind of “junk” down here? I brought it upstairs and read through both volumes of “400 Best Read Ads of 1968”. Two years later I was gifted the set as a graduation gift. Today, I work at an advertising agency and I can’t believe I own this piece of history. (It even smells like an old book. Love it!)
Tonight I was inspired to post this piece of my collection when I heard frecklewonder was searching through vintage magazines. Her kitchen has framed advertisements from decades ago. Matches perfectly with her mid-century modern house that I get more and more jealous of everyday.
Since I work in an advertising agency I see ads come and go and I’m amazed at how much things have changed. People are buying products differently, gender roles have completely shifted, print quality has improved, and typography usage has evolved. Above I’ve shown some of my favorites from the two volumes. I couldn’t show all of the ads because there are 400, but I wish you could see them. Most of them are humorous.
What are some of your favorite pieces in your collection. Do they have a story behind them?