FAQ

ALL ABOUT VINTAGE POSTERS

What Defines an Original Vintage Poster?

For the most part original vintage poster comes from the first printing of a design. While these posters were often produced in large quantities for advertising.

How Many Posters Were Originally Printed?

Print runs typically range from a few hundred to several thousand copies. However, what truly matters to collectors is how many have survived over time. As posters were meant for temporary outdoor display, many were damaged, torn down, or covered, making well-preserved originals rare.

How Were Vintage Posters Printed?

Different printing techniques were used based on cost, speed, and quality:

  • 1880s: Color stone lithography revolutionized poster printing, allowing for vibrant, large-scale production.

  • Post-WWI (U.S.) & 1940s (France): Offset lithography became the dominant method, enabling faster, high-quality printing.

Why Are There So Many French Posters?

France was a major hub for poster art due to:

  • Widespread French language use (Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Monaco, etc.).

  • A thriving middle-class art market, where posters became an affordable alternative to paintings.

  • Paris’s booming poster scene, with numerous dealers, exhibitions, and collectors, had emerged by the late 19th century.

  • Government-regulated posting spaces, ensuring broad distribution.

  • A strong second-hand market, flea markets, and poster collectors, leading to the preservation of many pieces.

How Do You Find Posters in Excellent Condition?

Some posters remain in pristine condition due to:

  • Print overruns, where extras were never used.

  • Printing errors, leading to unused stock.

  • Stored inventory, where posters avoided exposure to the elements.

What Is Poster Conservation & Restoration?

At the Poster Museum, we use acid-free materials. A key technique we use is linen backing, a three-step process:

  1. Mounts the poster onto acid-free paper.

  2. Adheres to a linen backing for stability.

  3. Leaves on the stretcher for at least a week

  4. For damaged posters, we carefully match and replace missing sections and, if necessary, restore colors to maintain their visual integrity.

How Was This Collection Built?

Philip, the founder, has been collecting posters since the 1970s, sourcing them from around the world.

Why Do Vintage Posters Hold Value?

  • Beauty & historical significance

    • Posters were meant to be temporary yet have endured as artistic and cultural artifacts.

  • Limited print runs

    • Many posters were printed only once, and their printing stones were most often reused.

  • Rarity & demand

    • Over time, fewer originals remain, making them more valuable to collectors.

Do Vintage Posters Appreciate?

Yes, vintage poster values have steadily increased for over 40 years.

How Should Vintage Posters Be Displayed?

We recommend professional framing with:

  • UV-protected glass or plexi to prevent fading.

  • Custom moldings to complement the artwork.

 

 

ORDERING & PAYMENT

Can I Change or Cancel My Order?

Yes, if we are notified before shipment (1-3 business days after payment). Contact us immediately with your order number.

What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB, and Diners Club.

What Currency Are Prices Listed In?

All prices are in U.S. dollars (USD).

 

 

SHIPPING & TAXES

Where Is The Poster Museum Located?

📍 122 Chambers St, New York, NY 10007

Are Taxes Included in the Prices?

No. For New York State shipments, we collect 8.875% sales tax.

Do You Ship Internationally?

Yes, we ship worldwide.

How Much Does Shipping Cost?

  • U.S.: Flat rate of $40 for most rolled posters

  • International: Varies by country (does not include customs duties/taxes).

How Can I Track My Order?

You’ll receive a confirmation email with a tracking number once your order ships.

When Will My Order Ship?

Most orders are processed and shipped within 4-7 business days.

How Long Does Shipping Take?

  • U.S.: Typically 4-10 days.

  • International: Varies by country.

Return Policy

Our posters are vintage originals, often decades old and not initially made to last. While many have been conserved and linen-backed to maintain their condition, some may show signs of aging, such as minor nicks and tears. We encourage you to inspect each poster carefully before purchasing by using the zoom function on the product page to view details up close. If you would like more images, please email us.

We appreciate the character and history these posters carry, but we understand that sometimes a return may be necessary.

Return Guidelines:

  • Returns are accepted within 3 days of delivery; after this period, all sales are final.

  • The poster must be returned in its original condition.

  • Return shipping costs are the buyer's responsibility.

To Initiate a Return:

  • Contact us via email or phone as soon as possible.

For further inquiries, contact us at 📩 POSTERMUSEUM@GMAIL.COM.

 

 

NAVIGATING THE WEBSITE

Our website is home to over 30,000 posters, which can make searching for your perfect piece difficult! For those who are interested in searching by size instead of by our traditional collections, please use the following search terms.

Large Posters

  • DESKTUBE

  • 55X78 or 78X55

  • XLLARGE

  • BB-

  • 47X63 or 63X47

  • LB47X63TABLE or LB63X47TABLE

  • BBF

  • 55X39 or 39X55

  • LB39X55 or LB55X39TB

  • LB39X55TABLE or LB39X55TABLE-S

  • LBMISCELL

Medium Posters

  • 47X32 or 32X47

  • LB47X32TABLE or LB32X47TABLE

  • LBACROSS39X55TABLE or LBACROSS39X55

  • 28X40 or 40X28

  • 40X25 or 25X40

  • LBFOREIGNTABLE

  • 30X40 or 40X30

  • 26X38 or 38X26

  • 36X24 or 24X36

Small Posters

  • 23X33 or 33X23

  • 20X33 OR 33X20

  • 20X30 OR 30X20

  • LB20XTABLE or LB30X20TABLE

  • LB20X30 or LB20X30TB

  • 15X25 or 25X15

  • LBSMALLTABLE or LBSMALL