visit the movie poster collector community

COLLECTING MOVIE POSTERS

Movie poster collecting has become popular in recent years. Before your start your collection, there are a few things you should be aware of.
 

In recent years, the hobby of movie poster collecting has become a worldwide passion. Posters that could have been purchased ten years ago for $15 are now going for about $160. Classic posters have become more appreciated as they are becoming harder to find. Over the next few years, they will become even more valuable.

As with all collectibles, movie posters are collected for a variety of reasons. Some collectors love the artwork and images on the posters. Others collect for nostalgic reasons. Different categories are collected. One person may collect only classic posters such as Gone With The Wind, while another will add only classic Disney such as Bambi or Mickey Mouse.

Before you think of starting a movie poster collection, there are a few things you should be aware of. Before 1980, posters were made in a variety of sizes. A one-sheet poster measures 27” x 41” – the size of a regular movie poster. An insert is 14” x 36”. The artwork depicted on these is usually the same as on the one-sheet poster. Three sheet posters are 41” x 81”. This is approximately three times the size of a one-sheet. A half-sheet is printed with credits and artwork that run horizontally. This poster is longer than it is wide.

As with all collections, condition is a great factor when placing a value on posters. A mint poster is one that looks like it just came off the printing press. There should not be tears, stains, holes or bleed through on a mint poster. These posters are rare and the most valuable.

Choose a category for your poster collection and research it extensively. This will give you self-confidence when you buy, sell, or trade items. Vintage posters must be handled with much care. Paper can tear easily if handed excessively. You should also wear white cotton or silk gloves. Skin oil will leave blemishes on the poster as it ages.

Posters should always be stored flat, never rolled or folded. Keep them in a cool, dry place out of reach of sunlight. UV rays will fade the color and images on the poster.

If you wish to display your poster collection, use a plastic sleeve that is acid-free. These cost between $9 and $15, buying the more expensive is well worth the preservation of your posters. Use care when you insert the poster. If possible, recruit an extra pair of hands to ensure the poster does not catch on the sleeve and tear. Be sure to insert an acid-free backboard into the sleeve with each poster. Backboards can be purchased at picture framing stores. This prevents the poster from sticking to the plastic sleeve.

Restoration of a poster is very expensive. Never attempt to do this yourself. If the poster is worth it, hire a professional restorer. Both market and sentimental value should be taken into account when deciding whether or not to have a poster restored.

If you wish to have a poster framed, take it to a professional framer who will recognize its worth. Framed posters should always be matted to prevent them from touching the glass. Backboard should always be acid-free. If your poster is worth more than $200 have it backed with linen and double mounted.

A linen backing makes posters more durable and helps to protect them. Professional restorers use this method to return posters to their original condition. Posters that are linen backed bring higher prices.

Now that you know the basics that apply to movie poster collecting, all you have to do is choose a category, research it and set out to find your first poster. Don’t buy the first one you see. Take your time and make a good choice. Buy something that you especially like. Our first poster will always be dear to your heart and will have great sentimental value. It probably will remain in your collection forever.

Movie poster collecting can bring much pleasure to both the collector and those around him though don’t expect friends and family to be as excited about your most recent addition as you are. After all, it is your collection.

Movie Poster Talk || Movie Posters Price Guide || Movie Posters Sales History ||
Movie Poster Collections || Movie Poster Image Gallery || Articles About Movie Posters || Members Directory || Who’s Who in Movie Posters || Movie Poster Auctions || Movie Posters For Sale || Movie Posters Wanted 

Home || About || Advertise || Contact Us || Fees || Help || Register || Suggestion Box || Movie Poster Links || Site Map An iGuide Media Web Property

© 2004 iGuide Media. All Rights Reserved.  Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Use of this Web Site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy.

More About Collecting Movie Posters