The Useful Stuff.

We examine every poster before it is listed — paper, printing method, measured dimensions, printer marks and the other details we’d expect from a genuine period issue. If we can’t stand behind a poster, it doesn’t go on the site.

Authenticity guide

It means the poster was printed to do the job it was made for — advertising a film, exhibition, product, destination or event at the time — rather than being produced later as a decorative reproduction. Some titles were officially reissued for a re-release or anniversary; those are still period printings, and we say so where that’s what a poster is.

Authenticity · Poster history

Many posters carry a signature or a credited studio, and those names are a large part of why certain posters are collected. Plenty of others were produced anonymously by in-house studios or printers and simply have no attribution. Where the artist is known, we name them.

Poster artists

Because that’s how it was sent out. Many cinema posters were distributed to cinemas folded as standard, so the fold lines are original to the object rather than damage done later.

Condition & grading · Sizes & formats

The poster was originally issued folded, and has since been stored rolled rather than flat. The fold lines are usually still visible, but the poster is no longer creased shut along them.

Condition & grading

Printed sizes varied between printers, countries and periods, and paper moves slightly with age and humidity. A poster measuring a little over or under a “standard” size is normal. We list the measured size of each poster rather than the nominal one.

Sizes & formats

Three different national formats. The One-Sheet is the standard American portrait size, the Quad is the British landscape format, and the Grande is the large French portrait format. Same film, three very different posters.

Sizes & formats

We assess each poster individually and give it a condition grade, supported by a written description and clear photographs of anything significant. The grade is a summary; the description and photographs are the detail.

Condition & grading

Often, yes. Original posters were working advertising materials that were handled, displayed and stored, sometimes for decades. Fold lines, pinholes and light edge wear are common and, depending on the poster’s age and format, entirely expected.

Condition & grading

It depends on the poster and on the work. Sympathetic, well-executed and clearly disclosed conservation on a scarce poster can make it more desirable, not less. Heavy or undeclared restoration on a common title generally works against it. What was done, how well, and whether it has been stated all matter more than the fact of restoration itself.

Conservation & restoration · Poster valuation

It depends on the individual poster, its condition and what you want the treatment to achieve. Linen backing can stabilise fragile paper and flatten heavy folds, but it isn’t necessary for a sound poster and isn’t automatically the right decision. Ask us before committing to anything irreversible.

Conservation & restoration

Flat in an acid-free folder, or rolled loosely in a wide tube — not a narrow one. Keep it somewhere cool, dry and dark, away from direct sunlight and radiators, and avoid tape, dry mounting and any adhesive that can’t be reversed.

Conservation

Yes — we offer made-to-measure conservation framing for many of the posters we sell. Every frame is built specifically for the poster going into it, so framed orders take longer to prepare than unframed ones.

Framing guide

Yes. Posters are sold unframed as standard, packed according to their format and condition and sent tracked and insured. Framing is an option, never a requirement.

We aim to have unframed orders ready for dispatch within two working days, although this may be slightly longer during particularly busy periods. Framed orders take up to 14 working days, because the frame is made to measure first — get in touch if you need the current lead time for a particular piece.

Yes, worldwide — and unframed posters ship free wherever you are. Delivery within the UK is free on everything, framed or unframed. International framed delivery is a flat £155, because a glazed made-to-measure frame needs specialist packing and handling. Any local sales taxes, tariffs or import duties are the customer’s responsibility. For large pieces or framed international orders, contact us first and we’ll work out the best way to send it. Full shipping details.

It depends on the poster. Most unframed posters travel rolled in a reinforced tube; pieces that shouldn’t be rolled are packed flat instead. Framed orders go into purpose-built reinforced boxes with padding. Everything is packed for the individual piece and sent tracked and insured.

Each frame is handmade to measure specifically for your poster. Once framing has commenced, framed orders cannot be cancelled, changed or returned, as the frame has been made specifically for your order.

This does not affect your rights if the order is damaged, faulty, incorrect or not as described.

Returns policy

Often, yes — we’re always interested in what turns up. Send us a message with clear photographs of the front and the reverse, the overall measured size, and anything you know about where it came from. That’s usually enough for us to tell you whether it’s something we can take on.

contact@printedoriginals.com

We’re happy to give you an informed view based on photographs and what we know of the market. That’s an opinion rather than a formal written appraisal — if you need a valuation for insurance or probate, you’ll want a specialist appraiser, and we can point you in the right direction.

Poster valuation

Rarity and demand do most of the work, then subject, artist, format and condition. Provenance can matter on significant pieces. It’s why a common title in beautiful condition can be worth considerably less than a scarce one with honest wear.

Poster valuation

Yes. Tell us what you’re after — a specific title, or just an era, artist or feeling — and we’ll keep an eye out through our network of dealers, collectors, auction houses and contacts. A great deal changes hands without ever being listed publicly.

Tell us what you’re looking for

Buy something you actually want to look at every day — that’s the part nobody regrets. Beyond that, get familiar with the formats, learn to read a condition description properly, and ask questions before you buy. We’d far rather answer them.

Collecting guide · Learn about posters

We’re based in Winchester, Hampshire, about an hour south of London, and you’re welcome to arrange a visit to view inventory by appointment. It’s the easiest way to get a feel for scale, condition and framing options before you buy — email or call ahead and we’ll set a time.

contact@printedoriginals.com · (+44) 01962 393554