Theo in Colors of the Royal Harwich Yacht Club, from the Yacht Colors of the World series (N140) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1890

Curator: Ah, this little card! I find it absolutely charming. It’s "Theo in Colors of the Royal Harwich Yacht Club," a print made around 1890 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as part of their Yacht Colors of the World series. It was actually a promotional item for Honest Long Cut Tobacco! Editor: Theo certainly makes a statement in that hat! It’s quite the color clash—yellow, red, and then… a sort of puffy blue blob on top? The overall effect is… strangely endearing. There's a touch of humour there, isn't there? Curator: Endearing is a great word for it. And the Japonisme influence is undeniable; it has that flattened perspective, that love of decorative framing. And we have to remember the context. These trade cards exploded in popularity, and tobacco companies, especially, used them as mini-billboards in cigarette packs. A way to make their brand memorable. Editor: It's amazing how pervasive that branding was! I can almost smell the tobacco, even now. Do you think the "caricature" aspect was intentional or merely a result of trying to make the art eye-catching in a very small space? Curator: A bit of both, perhaps? Exaggerated features made her stand out, but the bright watercolor, the subject, they all appeal. These cards became quite collectible, especially the ones from a full series. It was popular consumer culture expressed through little portraits of fashionable women, very emblematic of the turn of the century. Editor: The Yacht Club reference gives it a distinct whiff of upper-class leisure, even aspirational for smokers perhaps. Did that club exist? Do we know if Theo did? It leaves one wondering… was it meant to be satirical or respectful or was there someone that was trying to be recognized for who they are or represent a place? Curator: Absolutely. I imagine the Royal Harwich Yacht Club certainly existed and likely relished the implied endorsement. As for "Theo"...well, she exists for us now. Maybe it’s about how ephemeral fame can be—preserved on a tiny piece of cardstock distributed with a wad of tobacco! Editor: Ha! Perfectly said! An unsung yacht club woman who now exists outside of space and time. Curator: Exactly! Now, about the social impact and brand marketing of that time...