History and memorabilia from fan favourites and industrial giants

Advertising, in some form or another, has existed for thousands of years. It in the 19th century, however, that consumer culture took hold of the rapidly industrializing world, and advertising became a true art form. Many famous artists, in fact, paid their bills by working with graphic design and advertising companies. Pamphlets, signs, posters, and billboards became commonplace. Today, the advertisements that have been preserved over time give us a glimpse into both the history of consumer products and design.

Into the 20th century, consumer culture truly took hold. The rise of creative agencies brought about an era of sophisticated advertisements that became an art form in their own right. Novelty items with brand names were produced to further the reach of popular products, from cigarettes to soda pop to gasoline.

Petroliana, the collection of historical items related to the petroleum industry, has become a niche market, particularly in the West. Antique signs, tools, oil cans, and other memorabilia are highly sought after by collectors, offering a fascinating look into the history of one of Canada’s largest industries.