Rowntrees Elect Cocoa Beggarstaff Maitres Affiche

Original antique advertising poster for Rowntree's Elect Cocoa published by Les Maitres de l'Affiche / Masters of the Posters as one of a collection of 256 colour lithographic plates reproduced from the original work of 97 artists during the Belle Epoque period to create an art publication that was put together by Jules Cheret (1836-1932); known as "the father of poster art". The selection of prints were sold in packs of four and sent monthly to subscribers from 1895-1900. This design by Beggarstaffs (the pseudonym adopted for the 1893-1899 period of artistic partnership between William Nicholson, 1872-1949, and his brother-in-law, James Pryde, 1866-1941) depicts a gentleman wearing a black coat and hat with a cup of Rowntree's cocoa drink in front of him and two other gentlemen standing behind him, the stylised title text on the side. Rowntree was founded in 1862 and became one of the largest confectionery companies in the UK and the world; Rowntree's Cocoa was developed in the 1880s to compete with Cadbury's; the company merged with Mackintosh's in 1969 and was taken over by Nestle in 1988. Printed in France by Imprimerie Chaix. Very good condition, creases in margins, pencil inscription on bottom margin.