Posters

Vintage Posters 101: How to Start Your Collection

3 March 2025

Nicolette Tomkinson

Bright, bold, and endlessly evocative, vintage posters offer an accessible and rewarding entry point into the world of collecting.

Whether you’re drawn to the glamour of Art Deco travel posters, the energy of mid-century advertising, or the iconography of classic film and music, posters speak to both personal passion and design history and increasingly, they are recognised as significant works of art in their own right.

At Lyon & Turnbull, we are fortunate to handle exceptional examples across categories, from early 20th-century railway and exhibition posters to the cult classics of the 1960s and beyond. For those considering starting a collection, posters offer a compelling combination of affordability, visual impact, and cultural resonance.

Consultant Poster Specialist Nicolette Tomkinson shares her top tips on starting your vintage poster collection.

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Featured Poster Designers

French 1883 - 1953

French 1887 - 1971

Alex Walter Diggelmann

Swiss 1902 - 1987

1. Follow Your Eye (and Your Instincts)

The best collections are guided by personal interest. Whether you love vintage typography, graphic minimalism, or travel ephemera, begin with pieces that genuinely excite you. Collecting posters allows for emotional connection, nostalgia, admiration, curiosity, and that should be your foundation.

2. Learn the Basics: Original vs Reproduction

One of the first things to understand is the difference between original posters and later reprints. Original posters were usually produced in limited numbers for public display and were never intended to last. Their survival often depends on careful preservation. Key indicators include print method (stone lithography, offset, or screenprint), paper type, and printer or distributor marks.

3. Condition Matters But So Does Rarity

Posters were, by nature, functional items prone to pinholes, folds, and wear. Minor imperfections are common and, in some cases, acceptable. However, condition does affect value, particularly in highly sought-after examples. Rarity, provenance, and visual impact all play a role in determining desirability.

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Posters

4. Know the Market

Prices for vintage posters vary widely. Entry-level collectors can find strong examples for a few hundred pounds, while rare designs by renowned artists or early cinematic posters can achieve significantly higher figures. Following our auction results is an excellent way to get a feel for the market.

5. Framing, Display & Care

When you invest in a vintage poster, consider conservation-grade framing to protect it from light and environmental damage. Posters can make a powerful statement in any interior, whether hung singly or grouped as a gallery wall. Clean, minimal framing ensures the artwork takes centre stage.

Whether you’re taking your first steps or looking to refine an existing collection, our specialist poster auctions offer a wealth of inspiration and opportunity. With curated sales featuring everything from turn-of-the-century French lithographs to mid-century design icons, there has never been a better time to start collecting.

Browse our upcoming sales or speak to our poster specialist to find out more.

Vintage Posters 101: How to Start Your Collection

Visit our Posters Department

Featured Poster Designers

1. Follow Your Eye (and Your Instincts)

2. Learn the Basics: Original vs Reproduction

3. Condition Matters But So Does Rarity

Posters

4. Know the Market

5. Framing, Display & Care

About the Author

Nicolette Tomkinson

Tomkinson Churcher