In Town Tonight a Series of 50

GEORGE BURCHETT

In Town Tonight - A Series of 50 Cards.

In the 1930s, the Saturday evening BBC radio show In Town Tonight began with the cry of a Piccadilly flower seller, Mrs. Emma Baker, whose picture appears on card number 2 in Churchman’s 1938 series of fifty. The title of both the show and the card series was inspired by the flower seller in the background of the opening scene.

The show itself was designed to capture the essence of London on a typical evening. Each episode introduced listeners to a diverse range of people who just happened to be in the city that night. The characters varied from everyday Londoners to more well-known personalities, each telling their own unique story, offering a fascinating snapshot of life in the city during that time.

The cards were issued by the Imperial Tobacco Company as part of cigarette packs, and they featured a variety of personalities, many of whom had appeared on the In Town Tonight radio show. One of the most iconic figures to be featured was George Burchett, widely regarded as the "King of Tattooists." Burchett made his appearance on card number 7 in the 1938 set, bringing tattoo culture into the spotlight in an unexpected and interesting way for the era.

Cigarette cards were immensely popular at the time, and many collectors eagerly sought out different sets. The cards served as a unique collectible item, tied to both the cultural moment and the broader trend of cigarette manufacturers using them as a promotional tool. These cards covered a variety of themes, ranging from sports and celebrities to history and entertainment. For tattoo enthusiasts, the In Town Tonight series was particularly interesting, as it offered a rare look at a key figure in the world of tattoos at a time when the art form was still considered a niche.

The 1930s was a particularly pivotal time for Burchett. Already an established figure in the tattooing community, his reputation was soaring as tattooing gained broader recognition. His work was featured in the press, and he tattooed notable figures, including military personnel and celebrities. Burchett’s inclusion in the In Town Tonight series was a reflection of his rising fame and the increasing mainstream interest in tattooing during this period.

Tattoo memorabilia collectors often look for pieces like these cards, which not only represent a significant historical moment for tattoo culture but also serve as a tangible link to the past. Burchett’s appearance on a cigarette card is a rare artifact that blends popular culture with the world of tattooing, marking a time when the art form was beginning to break out of its underground roots and into public consciousness. For collectors, the In Town Tonight series is a unique and valuable piece of tattoo history.

Today, while these cards are rare and no longer commonly found, they do occasionally surface in specialized collections, auctions, and private sales. They are considered highly collectible, especially among tattoo memorabilia enthusiasts, and remain a fascinating find for anyone looking to own a piece of tattoo history. Whether as part of a broader collection or as a stand-alone item, these cards represent a rare glimpse into the life and legacy of one of tattooing's most famous pioneers.