Name/Title
Old Forester AshtrayEntry/Object ID
2022.2.85.174Description
Ashtrays can be found throughout the Bromfield home. This one, showing a bottle of Old Forester and plants inside the ashtray, advertises a popular brand of whiskey. On the back is printed "Greetings from WL Lyons Brown. Designed for Brown Forman for Sascha Brastoff and Saks 5th Ave Beverly Hills."
Using ashtrays as advertising tools was common across a large number of industries. Worthpoint traces the practice back to the 19th century and explains that beer and liquor companies were particularly drawn to it. This example from Old Forester has some elements that make it stand out among other advertising ashtrays. That the item was designed by the artist and ceramicist Sascha Brastoff--who was born Samuel Brostofsky in Cleveland, Ohio in 1918-- and produced by Saks 5th Ave immediately elevates the ashtray. Brastoff created a wide range of work, and his ashtrays can sell for more than $300 at auction.Location
Room
Bromfield's OfficeBuilding
The Big HouseOhio State Park
Malabar Farm State Park
