Cigarette papers

Gaspar Camps. Jean Paris. Cardboard. 1931. B. Sirven S.A.E, Barcelona. Col. Mateu Llinàs i Audet. Photo: Frederic Camallonga

Bambú. Papel de fumar. Tin. c. 1920. Gerzon, Amsterdam-Barcelona. Col. Mateu Llinàs i Audet. Photo: Frederic Camallonga

Gaspar Camps. Jaramago Valadia. Cardboard. c. 1920. B. Sirven S.A.E., Barcelona. Col. Mateu Llinàs i Audet. Photo: Frederic Camallonga
The ritual of rolling a cigarette with paper goes back centuries. Towards the end of the 19th century there were many factories in Catalonia and Valencia, while French brands were also very common. They all used renowned artists to give their product its own identity.
The advertising, presided by a figure that was feminine, modern, a “Manola” or fromthe Roaring Twenties, or alternatively a distinguished man, took the form of posters, show cards, and especially calendars.