News / Society
Uncovering sheets of history
“The house hadn’t been decorated since the 1950s and we discovered them when we took up several layers of carpet and lino,” said Jo Vallom.
She discovered six sheets of vintage cigarette packages in pristine condition during the renovation of her 1920s house in Bedminster Down.
“Apparently the printers were based opposite Temple Meads,” said Jo.
“If the sheets were not up to quality control they were placed in a pile and the workers could take them home.”
The sheets are hard to date said Jo but she believes they could possibly date back to the 1920s.
In more austere times it was not unusual for the sheets to be used as draught insulation and decades hidden underneath carpets has kept these six sheets prestine.
“They were so beautiful,” said Jo.
“Very colourful with beautiful pictures and really well preserved.”
The sheets were produced for Players Navy Cut, Rough Rider and Double Ace cigarettes – brands made by Imperial Tobacco in its Bedminster factories.
The couple have donated one of the sheets with a rare Rough Rider design to the M Shed.
Once the house renovations are complete Jo said she will frame one and probably give the rest to family and friends.
Photo credit: Jo Vallom