All about advertising

By: streames Mood: Date: 09/06/2010 03:28:09 Music: None

T he pushy world of promotion and publicity comes to Stroud Auction Rooms on Wednesday and Thursday at James Taylor's first two- day sale at the Old Barn at the Bear of Rodborough.

A big private collection of advertising items accumulated over many years will be dispersed in 60 lots.

Star of the section will almost certainly be this smug-looking inter-war chappie extolling the joys of Penfold tobacco. About 20 inches tall, he has been particularly fortunate to avoid serious damage, with even his original pipe intact.

You'd have thought somebody would have wanted to ram it down his throat by now, wouldn't you? Also on offer is a series of GPO posters for its Keeping in Touch advertising campaign of c1960, with well-executed views of typical British scenes.

These had an air of collectability about them from the start - but while a number of us might have snipped them out of magazines to keep, few were in a position to hoard the posters.

Promotional clocks, jigsaw puzzles, books, prints and toys are also in the collection, singing the praises of everything from beer to sweets, marmalade, swim wear, cigarettes and tobacco.

There's even a 1953 periscope advertising Hovis, to be used to see over the crowds lining the coronation route.

Elsewhere in the sale are Clarice Cliff lots from the more affordable end of her range and two photograph albums with a naval theme, including some evocative World War II images.

Viewing is on Tuesday, from 10am-7pm.

The first 85 lots at Duke's Grove auction in Dorchester on September 7 will be vintage clothing dating from the late 18th century through to the 1990s.

A full-length gown in cream silk from the late 1700s is decorated all over with colourful woven flowers, and Duke's Deborah Doyle tips it to be in high demand.

"Dress fabrics of the 18th-century varied, but bold patterned silks were always popular," she says.

"The fabric industry burgeoned in the 1760s and the 1770s, when improved spinning and weaving techniques made cloth more affordable. The condition of this piece is wonderful, and the colours are still vibrant."

A romantic empire line dress from around Regency times looks like something out of a Jane Austen novel, and Deborah has high hopes for it.

Its short sleeves are decorated with satin petals to form a flower, and there is lace trim round the hem of the skirt and under the bust line. In largely original condition, it has a few later additions.

From 1992 there is a still futuristic looking Yuki white pleated polyester evening dress ensemble. And the auction will also offer hats, handbags, men's clothing and uniforms.