Long before we got glimpses of forthcoming movie releases from 'official' trailers or narrated clips played in commercial breaks, the film poster was the only way to entice and lure audiences to the theater. An art form in themselves; not only did the designs give movie an image and substance, invariably symbolic they could convey the feel of an entire film in one, but pioneered new and progressive (at the time) graphic design direction. From Saul Bass (the master of minimalist design) to Hans Hillmann (experimental motifs), the style of a new group of artists became as instantly recognisable as the film posters they created - think Vertigo and The Shining to cult European/foreign films Masculin Feminin and Battleship Potemkin.
Whilst the legacy and symbolism of original film posters has never entirely gone away - they are important items of social history that capture the essence of the time they were printed - arguably, today, film posters are having a renaissance with not only film enthusiasts but collectors attracted by the higher return in design quality for cost compared with modern art and other collectibles. Case in point: the 1927 poster designed for Fritz Lang's classic silent film, Metropolis, of which only four are known to have survived, achieved $1.2m in 2012.
According to Kirill Kalinin, founder of AntikBar (the Original Vintage Poster store at 404 Kings Road) part of the collectible appeal is the fact they are 'in limited supply' as 'posters were supposed to be discarded and destroyed after their use on display in the streets and cinemas...luckily some of the artists and projectionists or movie theater workers would keep them and they are now being rediscovered in old cinemas.'
Whilst period, rarity, title, subject, star, director and design are all factors in purchase, they make great quirky gifts, which can add individuality to contemporary interiors, evoke memories associated with particular films, and have aesthetic value.
Kings Road is home to two Original vintage poster stores: (experts also in storage, framing and restoration)
AntikBar: 404 Kings Road
This London gallery specialise not only in original vintage film posters but those covering a wide variety of subjects - travel, advertising, sport, cinema, war, propaganda - from around the world. They also source for private clients, museums etc and offer collection/consultancy services as well as professional linen backing and restoration services.
www.antikbar.co.uk
Limelight gallery: 313 Kings Road
A business born out of over 20 years personal collecting and film passion. Original film posters and lobby cards are their speciality including a massive collection of vintage film comedy. They offer a 'Search and find consultancy' service and notably a corporate rental service for offices or business' on request.
www.limelightmovieart.com
Dr Strangelove
Marilyn Monroe