Poster FAQs
We are often asked how we are able to tell if a poster is original. It is routine for us to ensure that you’re comfortable with linen backing or restoring your poster and can provide some insight to whether your poster is not only right for restoration or stabilization but is authentic. Here we will discuss a few points on the topic.
How can we tell if a poster is original?
There are several variables to consider when authenticating a poster. Size, texture, copyright information and more can help determine the age of most vintage paper/posters. Movie posters produced prior to 1940 displayed studio logos but are often not dated. Post 1940 however, the National Screen Service distributed most American film posters and were dated and coded near the bottom of the poster. Almost all of these posters were printed on flat matte finish stock, and many of the larger posters were folded- this is why we named our company The Fold Line Poster Co. Most posters were distributed folded until the 80s/90s and thus, we include fold line touchup in our base pricing. If you have questions about your poster, email us at thefoldline.posterlandtx@gmail.com
Can you elaborate on reproductions?
One of the most well-known companies to reproduce posters in the 60s/70s was Portal Publications. Nowadays it’s fairly easy to identify them as repros- first being their size. Until the 80s/90s, one sheet posters were produced in a 27’x41’ size, and PP were printed in 24’x36’. This size was not produced or distributed by the studios for display at any exhibiting theater. Most of these reproductions are clearly marked “Portal Publications” in the bottom or side border, including the original date (which can be deceiving but does not mean they are original or were printed for exhibition by the studios). Although these posters were commonly printed on flat matte stock and appear to have age, they are practically worthless.
What about the value of a poster and what linen backing does to either hinder/contribute to value?
When it comes to movie posters (not specifically vintage ads, etc.) the value is usually first and foremost based on the title of the film. The most valuable posters are those with titles that are mostly universally loved by everyone OR is a title for a film that otherwise no longer exists- but the poster is perhaps the only remaining evidence that the film existed. Graphics and artwork are another contribution to value. They just don’t make em’ like they used to…some of the most popular and well-known illustrators of the 20th Century were commissioned by the studios to create images for these film campaigns making them highly valuable depending on the artwork.
Value can also depend on the condition. This is regularly debated amongst collectors. In our opinion— a poster that is in its original and unrestored state may not need linen backing or restoration. We will never pressure a client to linen back or use our services if it isn’t needed. If you are a collector, curator, etc. and can properly store and keep your poster in decent shape its exceedingly valuable as is without linen backing. However, we accommodate to our clients, their requests, needs, and wants. If a poster is in near perfect condition unrestored- but they would like it simply linen backed for stabilization purposes without any additional restoration- we will do as such. This process is fully reversable if done correctly with proper archival materials, and stabilization can absolutely provide a poster preservation to ensure no further damage, ageing, etc. In most cases, it increases the value of the poster. Linen backing is a preservation service and is costly- something to consider when purchasing, bidding, trading, etc.
Basically- at the end of the day, linen backing/restoration can be absolutely necessary, and on the other hand- a personal choice. Art is subjective and so can be the decision to preserve your items.
What exactly is linen backing and why bother with it?
The linen backing process requires three essential elements. Linen (cotton duck), acid free liner, and wheat starch solution containing an alkali buffing agent which when used together provide a stable environment for mounting your poster.
Wheat starch is soluble in water which allows the linen backing process to be reversed without causing any irreversible damage to the poster. The process flattens out any lines, wrinkles, creases, waves, etc. in the paper. It preserves the integrity of old and valuable paper and assures the item can later be displayed and handled safely. With time and age, paper can tear, deteriorate, stain, and become brittle-often from natural acids in the paper pulp and oxidation from the atmosphere.
Stay tuned for more…
