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Exclusive Collectible Cigar Ashtrays Created to Satisfy Cigar Connoisseurs’ Aesthetics
Premium cigar manufacturer Alec Bradley Cigar Company has commissioned Bram Warren, a noted South Beach (Miami) artist and ceramist, to create a comprehensive new line of collectible cigar ashtrays.
“We sought out Bram Warren Studios,” says Alec Bradley founder and president Alan Rubin, “because we wanted to work with an art-deco ceramics master who could best create ashtrays that harmonize with interior decorating motifs and color schemes. Warren has gained his reputation for creative excellence through his work for leading Miami interior designers. He regularly designs and executes ceramic art objects on an exclusive basis, for multimillion-dollar homes ... figurines, vases and other focal pieces.”
Alec Bradley Cigar Co. worked closely with Warren, to design the collection of ashtrays to harmonize with different decor in homes, offices, and other settings where cigar and art connoisseurs congregate. As Rubin explains, “For example, a masculine room in dark tones might call for an onyx/cobalt blue, or perhaps onyx/merlot, color combination.” The team collaborated further on design themes that would appeal to varied smokers’ aesthetic tastes. When finished, Rubin explains, “we had a total of 26 different color schemes, in two different models.” There are 16 color themes and motifs in the “Conference” line, a 9" diameter 3-cigar ashtray. The 4" x 6" rectangular single-cigar “Executive” includes 10 variations.
The ashtrays should be valued as art objects, not only as utilitarian items. Warren hand casts each individual piece, paints and fires it. Thus, every ashtray is unique, and carries Warren’s hand signature. Rubin illustrates the desirability of the ashtrays: “At retailers’ events, we’ve given away these ashtrays, and I can tell you, no one leaves until they’ve been awarded.” All ashtrays retail for $45, and are currently available at tobacco retailers nationwide.
