Tobacco Industry Collection

Woman sorting tobacco leaf for cigar making, 1892
1574652 Woman sorting tobacco leaf for cigar making, 1892; (add.info.: Women sorting tobacco leaf for cigar making: Cope Brothers cigarette and tobacco factory, Liverpool, England)

Women Spinning Tobacco, 1892
1574650 Women Spinning Tobacco, 1892; (add.info.: Women spinning tobacco for pipe smoking: Cope Brothers cigarette and tobacco factory, Liverpool, England)

Making 'Cavendish', a tobacco for chewing, 1892
1574647 Making 'Cavendish', a tobacco for chewing, 1892; (add.info.: Making 'Cavendish', a tobacco for chewing: Cope Brothers cigarette and tobacco factory, Liverpool, England)

Women Rolling Cigars, 1892
1574649 Women Rolling Cigars, 1892; (add.info.: Women rolling cigars: Cope Brothers cigarette and tobacco factory, Liverpool, England)

Tobacco in Kent, 1886 (engraving)
1574562 Tobacco in Kent, 1886 (engraving); (add.info.: Growing tobacco in Kent, England: hanging picked lef on frames in the field ready to be taken to the oast house for drying)

Sifiting Snuff, 1892
1574648 Sifiting Snuff, 1892; (add.info.: Sifting snuff: Cope Brothers cigarette and tobacco factory, Liverpool, England. From ''The English Illustrated Magazine'', London)

Tobacco in Kent, 1886 (engraving)
1574561 Tobacco in Kent, 1886 (engraving); (add.info.: Growing tobacco in Kent, England: taking the leaf to the oast house for drying. Engraving, London, 1886.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

Opening a hogshead of tobacco, 1892
1574651 Opening a hogshead of tobacco, 1892; (add.info.: Opening a hogshead of tobacco: Cope Brothers cigarette and tobacco factory, Liverpool, England)

Tobacco in Kent, 1886 (engraving)
1574563 Tobacco in Kent, 1886 (engraving); (add.info.: Growing tobacco in Kent, England: Inspecting the crop in the field. Engraving, London, 1886.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

Tobacco in Kent, 1886 (engraving)
1574560 Tobacco in Kent, 1886 (engraving); (add.info.: Growing tobacco in Kent, England: picking the leaf. Engraving London, 1886.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

Tobacco in Kent, 1886 (engraving)
1574559 Tobacco in Kent, 1886 (engraving); (add.info.: Growing tobacco in Kent, England: hanging up the leaves to dry. Engraving London, 1886.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

A cigarette butt litters the street in Lyon, France, June 14, 2018. The French government wants to end the bane of discarded cigarette butts

Cigarette butts litter the street in Lyon, France, June 14, 2018. The French government wants to end the bane of discarded cigarette butts

Cigarette butts litter the street in Rochefort, France, June 14, 2018. The French government wants to end the bane of discarded cigarette butts

Scenes of cigarette production, 1887 (litho)
SLS251311 Scenes of cigarette production, 1887 (litho) by Durkin, John (fl.1887); Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University; eSchlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute

A woman operating a French cigarette-rolling machine, 1878 (engraving)
SLS251196 A woman operating a French cigarette-rolling machine, 1878 (engraving) by American School, (19th century); Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute

Boss cigar box label, early 20th century (litho) (b / w photo)
CHT286989 Boss cigar box label, early 20th century (litho) (b/w photo) by French School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Cigarette Manufacturing, 1883 (engraving)
SLS251307 Cigarette Manufacturing, 1883 (engraving) by Upham, C. (fl.1883); Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University; eSchlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard; American

A workman attends to tobacco leaves curing on racks in a barn in Central Malawi. Tobacco is by far Malawis most important export crop

Machine for cutting Tobacco - 19th century
Illustration of a Machine for cutting Tobacco - 19th century

Crushing the snuff tobacco
illustration of a man Crushing the snuff tobacco

Manual production of cigars
illustration of a manual production of cigars

Apparatus for grinding the snuff
Antique illusration of apparatus for grinding the snuff

Black & white view, Van Nelle Fabriek, Netherlands
A black and white view on the Van Nelle Fabriek, in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Which used to be a factory producing Tobacco, Tea and Coffee

Preparing tobacco for drying, Santiago region, Dominican Republic, Hispaniola, West Indies, Central America

Harvesting tobacco, Santiago region, Dominican Republic, Hispaniola, West Indies, Central America

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The tobacco industry has a rich history, deeply intertwined with the culture and traditions of various regions. From the Real Fabrica de Tabacos Partagas in Havana, Cuba's best cigar factory, to scenes of cigarette production captured in lithographs from 1887, this industry has left an indelible mark on society. In Lyon, however, a different side of the story unfolds as cigarette butts litter the streets. The sight serves as a stark reminder of the environmental impact caused by tobacco consumption. Whether it be in Lyon or Rochefort, these discarded remnants highlight an urgent need for responsible disposal and awareness. Yet amidst these concerns lies admiration for craftsmanship and innovation. In 1878, an engraving depicts a woman skillfully operating a French cigarette-rolling machine—a testament to human ingenuity meeting demand. Similarly, early 20th-century lithographs showcase Boss cigar box labels that exude elegance and sophistication. Tobacco leaves curing on racks evoke images of hardworking individuals attending to every detail during the production process. This dedication is further exemplified by a 19th-century machine designed specifically for cutting tobacco—an invention that revolutionized efficiency within the industry. As we reflect upon these glimpses into history and contemporary challenges like littered streets and environmental impact, it becomes clear that understanding both sides is crucial when discussing the tobacco industry. It encompasses not only economic prosperity but also social responsibility towards our environment—ensuring that future generations can appreciate its heritage while safeguarding our planet's well-being.