E.A. Trickett, Oarsman, from World's Champions, Series 1 (N28) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1887

Editor: Here we have "E.A. Trickett, Oarsman," a colourful print from 1887 by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. It's interesting how this athletic portrait appears on a cigarette card. What's your take on it? Curator: This card reveals much about the cultural landscape of the late 19th century. The branding of athleticism with tobacco speaks volumes about the marketing strategies employed and the target demographic: upwardly mobile men, likely. The fact that it is a print relates to its function of popular advertising through mass production, rather than the unique experience of consuming “high art” Editor: That makes sense. The pairing of sports and cigarettes seems odd today, given our understanding of health. Does the image of Trickett himself contribute anything to the overall message? Curator: Certainly. He is presented as a paragon of physical strength, a “World Champion.” The striped shirt adds a distinct, fashionable element, aligning him with contemporary notions of leisure and sporting culture. But, in being produced as a cigarette card, does that champion imagery undermine the values displayed? Editor: A bit, yes! It's almost as if they are using his image to indirectly suggest that smoking these cigarettes is somehow connected to being successful, athletic, and manly. Curator: Precisely! It demonstrates the commodification of success. Sport was being co-opted to promote mass consumption. Consider the public role of sports heroes versus that of cigarette companies. Editor: I never considered how the choice of media influences the meaning. It’s fascinating how one little card contains so much cultural information. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. It's a small piece, but opens a wider window to examine how businesses impact the narrative around sports in general.