We recently framed a few ad posters from the early to mid 20th century: a “Monaco” poster by artist J Ramel, a “Martini & Rossi” by Marcello Dudovich, and a WWI “Liberty Bond” poster (artist unknown) . Consider for a moment the temporary nature of advertisement and how marketing follows trends and fashion. When these posters were produced, they weren’t “fine art” and in most cases the artists weren’t “artists”, they were “illustrators”. This raises a number of important issues. Today, many of these original posters are in high demand because only a fraction of them remain as they were typically discarded after being displayed for the event or campaign…would you ask your local 7-11 manager for that “Monster Energy Drink” poster and keep it for decades? The other important issue is that these images were often printed on newsprint or other acidic wood pulp paper. Proper preservation may include repairs, deacidification, linen backing and conservation framing. Yes, this is a “hot” collectible market, but decide for yourself if you’d like to buy a piece that will appreciate in value over time. Do research, find a reputable dealer and make an informed decision on your art investment.
