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Collecting and displaying vintage posters became popular almost as the first image was rolling off the press in the late 1800's. The earliest posters were printed using a method called stone lithography, which produced vibrant colors and bold images. Posters soon appeared everywhere in Paris and beyond; it seemed that everyone was interested in the "new media" of the day. Unfortunately, almost all of these posters were destroyed during use on city walls and other outdoor displays, pasted over when the next advertisement was ready. Posters were not meant to survive the long term, making them so valuable and desired today.

Why Vintage Posters?

Many people use a vintage poster as a focal point in a room, or to compliment (or contrast) with a particular design style. Still others display an image that has personal meaning to them; a sport they love, a place they've been or an event that has special significance. An office, restaurant, or hotel will often use vintage posters to promote their industries, or create an unforgettable and unique atmosphere. The reasons are as varied as the people who buy them, but for each one a vintage poster provides a unique piece of history that is preserved and displayed. 

Original? Reprint? Reproduction? What's the difference?

An original vintage poster is one that was printed and used (or intended to be used) during the time period of it's original purpose. Quite often, successful advertising posters were reprinted for continued use in new campaigns, often over a period of many years and commissioned by the advertiser or the artist, sometimes using the original plates and printing methods, or with minor modifications such as logo alteration. While values will vary, both original posters and vintage reprints have collectible value.

Reproductions, on the other hand, are simply a photographic digital copy of an original poster, and have no collectible value. Authentic Vintage Posters does not sell reproductions.