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Printed advertisements of
the late 19th century are some of the most visually
interesting items of ephemera due to their unique use of
slogans and fonts. Designed to attract the attention,
and also to be given as a memento, these advertisements
were designed to build interest or excitement in a
product or event. This exceptionally rare survivor was
printed in 1887 to advertise the celebration of the
100th anniversary of the American Constitution at the
Crystal Palace in London. Built to house the Great
Exhibition of 1851, the Crystal Palace was a fantastic
glass and iron building that showcased British
engineering and materials expertise using plate glass
and iron to make a vast building with clear walls and
roof.
 As
described on the advertisement, the celebration
was a grand event, demonstrating Britain's affection for
its American cousins. The grand "American Fete" that
Londoners held to celebrate the American and the U.S.
Constitution coincided with similar events held in
Philadelphia. A report of the British celebration was
noted in the Indiannapolis News on September 17, 1887.
"Commemorative Fete In England. The Indianapolis
News. London, September 17. A fete commemorative
of the century of the adoption of the American
constitution was held in the Crystal palace
today: It was designed as a tribute to the
patriotic celebration of the event in
Philadelphia. Large crowds of people joined in
the festivities of the day and nearly all the
prominent Americans now sojourning in the city
joined in the proceedings."
In terms of visual interest, the paper
advertising flag, which measures 8-1/2" by 5-1/2" is a
wonderful read, generating excitement for the event by
describing the music, art, amusements, fireworks, and
colored lights. The various fonts and quirky punctuation
are typical of advertisement styles of the period,
as seen on other American flag
trade cards from this era. Packed with action, the
advertisement tells the "what, where, when, and what
cost" in a single item that Londoners could take and
keep. The survival of such a fragile piece of ephemera
is extremely rare, and this is one of the most
interesting pieces of flag-related Americana I have
encountered, especially since it was made overseas in
England to celebrate America. |
