Hand-Painted State Express 555 Cigarettes Pictorial from Beaven, 1920s

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Original Hand-Painted State Express 555 Cigarettes Pictorial by Beaven Material: Paper, Paint and Board An original hand-drawn and hand-painted pictorial … Read more Original Hand-Painted State Express 555 Cigarettes Pictorial by Beaven Material: Paper, Paint and Board An original hand-drawn and hand-painted pictorial advertising artwork created for State Express 555 cigarettes and signed by the artist Beaven. The composition represents an interesting surviving example of original commercial artwork produced for one of the best-known historic British cigarette brands. Unlike a mass-produced printed advertisement, this piece is an individually executed artwork, retaining the character and detail of the artist’s original design. State Express originated in London with the Ardath Tobacco Company, with State Express 555 becoming the company’s most recognised brand. British American Tobacco acquired Ardath in 1925, and the 555 brand subsequently developed a particularly strong international presence. Mounted on board, the relatively compact scale of the artwork gives it the character of an original advertising design or presentation piece. The combination of hand-painted execution, period tobacco advertising and the Beaven signature makes it an appealing piece of British commercial and advertising history. Presented in good vintage condition, with appropriate signs of age and historic handling consistent with its period and original purpose. Artist: Beaven Artwork Dimensions: Height: 15.2 cm (6 in) Width: 11.4 cm (4.5 in) Overall Board Dimensions: Height: 29.2 cm (11.5 in) Width: 24.1 cm (9.5 in) Country of Origin: United Kingdom See less