Kitty Welch, from the Actresses series (N67) promoting Virginia Brights Cigarettes for Allen & Ginter brand tobacco products 1885 - 1893

This small card was printed by Allen & Ginter to promote Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards were made with printing processes that allowed for mass production, a technique that reflects the growth of consumer culture in the late 19th century. The card is small and lightweight, which made it easy to include in packs of cigarettes. This also speaks to the values of distribution and accessibility that were becoming increasingly important at the time. The image of Kitty Welch, an actress, is carefully printed, and the text is clear and legible. The designers have used these printing technologies to create a desirable product. Consider the labor involved in producing these cards. From the cultivation of tobacco, through the printing and distribution of the product. It reveals the interconnected systems that supported the rise of consumerism in the late 19th century. This card invites us to consider how materials, production processes, and cultural values are intertwined.