Keen to produce something a bit
different, Carreras decided to make their 1934 series of Film Stars oval in
shape. The idea proved successful and the following year the same principle was
adopted for a new series called Popular Personalities, our choice for
November's Set of the Month. Back in March, 1935, our new issues editor, C.L.
Porter, said the cards packed with "Piccadilly Juniors" cigarettes would be
even more popular than the Film Stars because they are of greater general
interest, comprising of members of the Royal Family and "persons prominent in
all walks of life." Clearly such "prominent persons" did not extend to
politicians who are notably absent from the set, but then, as the title tells
us, these portraits are of popular personalities. Starting with King George V
in Silver Jubilee year, we see Princess Elizabeth as an eight-year old and
Princess Margaret (then five) before the moving on to the likes of G.K.
Chesterton, H.G.Wells and Jacob Epstein. But the bulk of the series is made up
of entertainers such as Gracie Fields, Jack Payne, Jack Buchanan and Flotsam
& Jetsam, plus, of course, great names in sport - Fred Perry, Henry Cotton,
Jack Hobbs, Don Bradman, Stanley Matthews, Len Harvey and Tom Newman. Also
there is Ted Phelps, former world professional sculling champion, a winner of
the historic Doggett's Coat and Badge Prize. Ah, those were the
days!
This set is available in
Very Good Condition at catalogue price of £60.00 |
