Here at Retrofair we specialise in giving you the chance to see and buy some of the finest vintage magazine ads published throughout the 20th century. But  why should ads completely hog the scene when the very magazines that carried them had some remarkably striking and memorable covers and pictures?. 
With that in mind we are now delighted to bring you our new John Bull Magazine Cover Index featuring the slice-of-life illustrations by some of the UKs finest commercial artists. Although dated in style and fashion the scenes they depict are in many cases just as relevant today.

Where possible we have included the expanded cover picture captions from the magazine editorial pages, so you can see the original context behind these startling images.

Ever since the 1930's The Shell company knew the value of promoting the discovery of the spectacular British countryside. Millions of homes still have copies of detailed guide on their book shelves. In the early 6o's these books were enhanced by a series of spectacular ads and posters  featuring illustrations and painting by some of the most eminent landscape artists of the day.

A more detailed and authoritative history of the wonderful Shell Guides by Chris Mawson can be found here

Here are 3 of these fine original ads we currently have for sale at or eBid store. Click on pictures for details