Keith Richards

Where Icons Meet the Art of the Cigar

Each Legends in Labels portrait is more than artwork—it is an experience. Crafted from hundreds of authentic cigar bands, these one-of-a-kind creations transform the ornate details of cigar packaging into timeless works of fine art.

Every label is carefully chosen and meticulously arranged, building layer upon layer until the likeness of a cultural legend emerges. From across the room, you see a striking portrait of an icon. Step closer, and the image dissolves into a mosaic of vibrant patterns, embossed foils, and gilded insignias—each carrying its own story of tradition and craftsmanship.

This is the art of transformation: ordinary fragments reborn into extraordinary legacies. A Legends in Labels piece is not just a portrait, but a conversation starter, a collector’s treasure, and a bridge between history and contemporary art.

Perfect for cigar lounges, wine cellars, private collections, or any space where luxury and artistry belong, Legends in Labels celebrates culture, creativity, and craftsmanship in every detail.

Creating portraits from cigar labels is a unique fusion of fine art, collage, and cultural history. Each piece begins with the careful collection of authentic cigar bands—small works of art in themselves, often rich with ornate typography, embossed foil, and vibrant colors. These labels, once destined to be discarded, are transformed into the building blocks of something entirely new.

The artist selects, trims, and arranges thousands of labels, layering them with precision to capture light, shadow, and form. From a distance, the viewer sees a recognizable portrait of a cultural icon, their likeness rendered in meticulous detail. Up close, however, the portrait dissolves into a mosaic of intricate designs and brand insignias, inviting the eye to wander through hidden patterns, textures, and unexpected juxtapositions.

This dual experience—recognition at a glance and discovery upon closer inspection—makes cigar label portraits more than simple likenesses. They are conversations between subject and medium, history and artistry. Each label carries with it the legacy of cigar-making tradition, while the finished work elevates those fragments into timeless, iconic representations.  The result is an artwork that is both deeply personal and universally engaging: a fusion of craft, storytelling, and cultural homage, where fragments of luxury packaging are reborn as symbols of legacy and legend.

History Cigar Band Art

Cigar bands are not merely functional; they are miniature masterpieces of design. These small, ornate bands often feature a blend of vibrant colors, intricate embossing, and detailed logos. The artistic elements of a cigar band are crafted to reflect the prestige and heritage of the cigar brand. Common symbols such as crowns, shields, or crests are frequently employed to convey a sense of luxury and tradition.

The craftsmanship involved in creating cigar bands is indicative of the brand’s commitment to quality. Many bands are designed with elaborate patterns and premium materials, which not only attract attention but also reinforce the brand’s image. The art on a cigar band often encapsulates the essence of the cigar’s story, making each band a unique artifact in its own right.

Giclee Printing Process

“Each Legends in Labels piece is created using the finest process technology available today. We print with ultra-high-resolution precision, capturing the extraordinary detail of the original composition. To ensure lasting beauty, we use only archival-quality pigmented inks — the same standard trusted by museums and fine art publishers worldwide. These inks are rated to resist fading for well over a century under proper care, preserving both the richness of color and the subtle nuances of tone. Combined with carefully selected, acid-free substrates and professional finishing methods, every print embodies not only unmatched craftsmanship but also permanence. The result is a collector’s piece that offers both immediate impact and enduring value.”

Custom Framed 28” x  32” 

Each stretched canvas is then custom-framed to museum standards. A linen liner provides a refined transition, while the finishing frame, chosen by the artist because of the very dark brushed finish, reminded him of the wood used in tobacco harvesting or curing to make cigars. The result is a presentation that is as meaningful as it is beautiful.”

Artist Bio:

Lester Herbertson is a visionary artist and craftsman whose work bridges the worlds of fine art, storytelling, and creative innovation. Drawing inspiration from both personal history and cultural imagination, Herbertson creates pieces that invite viewers to reflect, remember, and reimagine.

As the founder of Regency Fine Art & Frame, Lester has spent decades mastering the art of presentation—custom framing, archival printing, and creative display. Yet beyond the frame lies his true passion: creating original works that resonate with spirit, culture, and community.

His acclaimed series, “Legends in Labels,” transforms thousands of hand-collected cigar bands into striking portraits of cultural icons. Each piece is both meticulous and monumental, blending patience with vision to honor figures who have left a mark on history. These works, offered through Atkinson Fine Arts, are quickly becoming collector favorites for their rarity and craftsmanship.

Beyond his studio practice, Lester is deeply engaged in community and spiritual circles. His creative energy flows into projects that explore connection, healing, and the timeless human search for meaning. Whether through visual art, collaborative events, or personal storytelling, his work always seeks to uplift and inspire.

Herbertson’s art can be found in private collections, galleries, and sacred spaces—each piece carrying with it a story, a memory, and a spark of transformation.