American smoking design part one: Matchbooks

September 22, 12:26 PMDesign Trends ExaminerNeal Shaffer

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One downside to the end of smoking in public places is that it has also meant the end of smoking accessories in public places. Matchbooks, ashtrays, cases, lighters, cigarette packs -- all were once design objects as ubiquitous as cell phones and printed t-shirts are today, and all played their own small but unique role in communicating aspects of identity.

Now that they're mostly either gone or relegated to the background, the time is right to make sure they get their due as noteworthy American ephemera.

Starting with matchbooks. 

Anyone born in the 70s or earlier likely remembers the days when matchbooks were everywhere. Every restaurant and café offered them as a handout, and plenty of other establishments and businesses did the same. 

The evidence is there in this gorgeous Flickr set from gitganben. It's a lovingly curated ode to a once vibrant medium for design, featuring everything from a trucking company to Star-Kist Tuna Pie to the Playboy Club.

That's just a start. A Google image search for, say, "vintage matchbooks" can go on for hours -- here's just one nice example. 

These were more than just paper throwaways. Even a cursory glance shows an attention to detail and a quality of design that far surpasses most of what you'll find handed out today.

Indeed, it raises a question: is there a modern design equivalent of the vintage matchbook? Something portable, promotional, and disposable with sufficient space for a designer or illustrator to spread his or her wings? If not, it needs to be created. 

Or perhaps it's time to bring back matchbooks.