JOB rolling papers are a popular brand of cigarette paper produced by Republic Tobacco in Perpignan, France.
In 1838, a French craftsman named Jean Bardou came up with the idea for a booklet of rolling papers made of thin, pure rice paper. The booklets were a success and Bardou's trademark, the initials "JB" separated by a diamond, became such a common sight that people began referring to them as JOB, thus the brand-name was born.[1] By 1849 he filed for a patent for "Papier JOB".[2]
In the late 1890s, the company hired art nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha, as well as many other artists, to design advertising posters for the brand[3]. Mucha drew a sinuous long-haired goddess holding a rolled cigarette. The image was inspired by Michelangelo's Sibyls from the Sistine Chapel.[4] The poster image was so popular that it was sold as a lithograph.
In 2008, the company commissioned Stuckist artist, Paul Harvey to create a campaign series of posters with a stylistic reference to Alphonse Mucha.[5]. Harvey made works featuring famous double acts to emphasise the sales message of "The Original Double", a reference to the twin-size packets of papers made by Job.[5] Harvey's enthusiasm for the project came about because "Mucha is one of his heroes", said Mark Ross, the director of Glorious Creative agency managing the campaign.[5] The work created some controversy:[6] Gilbert and George gave their endorsement to the images, but The Mighty Boosh and The White Stripes were not pleased to be featured.[6] Famous Doubles, a show of the original paintings used for the posters, was promoted at the Wanted Gallery in Notting Hill by Fraser Kee Scott, director of the A Gallery.[6][7]
The trademarks 1.0™, 1.25™, 1.5™ and 2.0™ are property of DRL Enterprises, Inc.
In the movie Maximum Overdrive, which featured Emilio Estevez being chased by 'possessed' trucks, a JOB 1.5 truck was shown as one of the key vehicles.
Reptiles, a 1943 lithograph by M. C. Escher shows a package of JOB rolling papers.
In the 1981 film Nice Dreams, Tommy Chong says he has been sponsored by JOB papers.