Stalking the catalogue: What the doctor smokes

"Funny and ridiculous as they undoubtedly are, deliberate humour doesn't play a big part in these adverts, maybe becausei it's only in retrospect that we can see that Dri-Poo for the hair might not be the most savoury of names, or that a horse machine (guaranteed satisfaction) might find its real market in sexually frustrated Victorian housewives."

What the doctor smokes : and other inspiring adverts through the ages by Kate Parker and the Advertising Archives
I have long been fascinated by vintage adverts and vintage posters. They provide an interesting look into an era that, born in the mid-70s, I would never know. They give me a slight feeling of nostalgia for the good times that my parents and grandparents would tell me about when I was young. More than that, though, they provide much in the way of hilarity. By the time I came along it was adverts promoting food served in aspic (blech) and fondue parties held by people who looked far too happy to eat things dipped in cheese (why why why) and crocheted vests galore (yes I am judging you for your vest).

Not so secret joy: Looking through our Heritage Images database every now and then for 'advertising' images and finding such gems as a model playing a piano accordion whilst surrounded by even more accordions, or a model wearing knitted beach wear. Nostalgia makes me do it. Now you can do it, too.