A collection of 120 original painted cigarette adverts will sell at John Pye Auctions in Marchington, UK.
The collection originates from Nottingham’s Imperial Tobacco Horizon factory, which closed down in 2016.
Most of the adverts date to before it was discovered cigarettes are bad for you
The paintings were used by the company to advertise its products over the years and were on display in the building until its closure.
Most date to before the 1950s and feature an intriguing range of designs, from military themes to images of children – something that would be unthinkable now.
Robert Opie, director of London’s Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising, explained to the BBC: "Before the Second World War, most people were unaware of the dangers of smoking.
"Indeed, the art of smoking had become glamorised by the great film stars of the 1920s and '30s, and a well-directed cigarette holder could help underline many a dramatic statement.
"In this era of innocence, whether it was the appeal of women (who were still to take up smoking in large numbers), sportsmen, or even children, they were all used to advertise cigarette brands in just the same way that custard, biscuits or toffee would have been promoted."
There is no estimate available for any of the lots, but other original painted adverts of comparable quality have sold for thousands of pounds in the past.
We have this signature from inveterate smoker Winston Churchill for sale.
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