Miss Langton, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This card of Miss Langton was produced by Duke Sons & Co. sometime between 1870 and 1920, as part of a series of promotional material for Duke Cigarettes. Printed on paper, this card would have been made through industrial printing techniques, involving mass production and distribution. The choice of a sepia tone gives the image a sense of nostalgia. The flatness of the card and the relatively simple printing process contrasts with the detailed and intricate costumes worn by the actresses and actors featured on these cards. This tension reflects the wider social context of the time, where industrialization and mass production were transforming both the world of work and leisure. The card is a reminder of the connection between commercial interests, popular culture, and the labor involved in making and consuming these images. By considering the materials, making, and social context of this card, we can better appreciate its full meaning and significance, blurring the boundaries between fine art, craft, and commercial design.