Vintage advertisements are a great way to make a point about progress, illustrate certain design aesthetics, or just to have a laugh. Here are some good sites with compilations of old advertisements; you can also find a lot just by Googling.
- Vintage Ad Browser – thousands of ads, organized by subject and decade
- Vintage ads on Flickr – thousands of ads – search on a keyword, e.g. ‘beer’, to narrow it down. When you find one you want, click on “All Sizes” above the image to access all image options.
- Found in Mom’s basement – this site is well organized by subject and decade; also includes movie posters, Sears catalogues, etc.
- Creepy Old Ads – this blogger has thoughtfully compiled some truly disturbing ads, so you won’t have to (illustration above)
- Outrageous Vintage Ads – this slideshow on Huffington Post contains some terrific reader contributions