The term "Original Vintage Poster" refers to the fact that the poster we are selling is from the time it was first created, and not a reproduction printed later. For example, if a poster is listed on our site as "1925", this is the actual poster created in 1925.

The images that we display are generally at least 50 years old, and originated mostly in Europe. They were used to advertise all manner of things - foods, liquors, entertainment, travel, and others. These vintage posters were commissioned by advertisers, using the best commercial artists of the day. Some of those artists are now very well known. Henri de Toulouse - Lautrec is perhaps the most famous of many great poster artists.

Colorful advertising posters first became popular in the late 1800's. The preferred method of printing, called stone lithography, was developed for vintage posters in Paris by Jules Cheret. It was an exciting art form that brought out colors and graphics, and Paris was transformed into a city full of posters. The kiosks on the streets, the sides of building, and the interiors of stores and restaurants were all used to display these exciting new posters. The popularity of original posters quickly spread throughout Europe and North America. 

Almost everything we sell is in excellent condition. Every poster's listing page has a detailed photo of the actual poster, along with a description about the condition and history of the piece. We fully guarantee the authenticity and condition of our items, and each poster we sell come with a signed certificate of authenticity. 

We do all of our shipping from the Gallery. We do not rely on any outside sources for this task. We ship most posters rolled in a sturdy tube via UPS or FedEx, both domestically and internationally. We ship with ease to any destination around the world. All of our shipments are sent insured and require a signature upon delivery. This ensures that no packages are left unattended or at the wrong address. We usually ship out orders within 2 business days. All of our posters are sent out with a signed certificate of authenticity included. We also send each client an email advising them of the tracking number of their shipment. We take a great deal of pride in the high level of our client service and our packing and shipping is an integral part of that service.

Shipping - Domestic

Your poster(s) will generally ship via UPS Ground Insured within two business days of placing your order. You will receive tracking details as soon as your package ships. We are unable to ship to PO Boxes, and require a signature for delivery. The delivery time by UPS Ground will vary depending on your proximity to our Gallery. UPS 2nd Day and UPS Next Day options are also available at checkout. If you are unable to sign for the package after several attempts, the package will be returned to us. Please note that should this occur, the recipient is responsible to pay the shipping fees to have the package sent out again.

Shipping - Points Outside the USA

Your poster(s) will generally ship via FedEx International Priority within two business days of placing your order. You will receive tracking details as soon as your package ships. There is no additional fee to ship more than one poster, and we encourage our clients to take advantage of this fact. All posters shipped rolled in a sturdy tube, insured. It is the recipient's responsibility to pay all import and customs fees, which vary by country. If you are unable to sign for the package or fail to respond to customs notices, your package may be returned to us. Please note that should this occur, the recipient is responsible to pay the shipping fees to have the package sent out again. 

Returns

We are members of the International Vintage Poster Dealers Association (ivpda.com). The Association, with more than 60 members worldwide, provides strict guidelines to ensure the authenticity of the posters we offer for sale and to promote ethical and fair business practices. We stand by these guidelines and guarantee the authenticity and condition of our posters.

If for any reason you are NOT satisfied with your purchase please notify us within 72 hours of receipt of shipment to sales@postergroup.com or phone: 561.562.4100. We will send confirmation of this notification. You must then return the poster(s) within three business days of notification via insured shipment at your expense to:

You may notice that many of our Original Vintage Posters are listed as having been "archivally backed onto linen". This refers to the museum standard process of preserving vintage and antique paper. The poster is treated on its back with acid-free, water soluble methyl cellulose adhesive and affixed onto an acid-free barrier paper that has been joined with linen on its back. This process creates an archival backing for the poster, which protects it from damage in handling and shipping, resists mold and residue, and also helps the poster lay flat within a frame. This process serves to protect the original poster, and often increases its value.

Some of our newer posters may not require this archival backing process, while others may have been printed using a method that does not make linen-backing a safe option (screen-prints, for example, are rarely able to be backed without damaging the poster itself). These items are listed throughout our site as being "printed on paper". 

The Ross Art Group offers extensive product knowledge spanning over 40 years. We stand behind the authenticity and condition of every item that we sell.

We have a full scale Gallery, where clients are welcome to come and view all of our inventory in a pleasant and relaxing setting. We not only sell posters, but we provide one stop shopping by offering a wide range of frames. we not only frame for local clients but can crate and ship our framed items anywhere around the world.

If you cannot visit our gallery in person, we also offer digital design services where we simulate how our poster would look framed in your location. This makes remote buying much more user friendly.

We provide a high level of client service and follow up on all of our sales. We pack and ship our posters ourselves to ensure that you as a client receive the poster quickly and in top condition.

The collecting of Vintage Posters was started with the first distribution of the posters themselves. Some art dealers believed they could sell these "advertising" pieces to their customers. They sought out the poster artists and the printers in an effort to secure some over runs. Some dealers and collectors went so far as to remove the posters from their outdoor displays. However, it must be remembered that most of the vintage posters were destroyed in actual use. They were mounted on walls and merely discarded or ripped away when the next new image became available. While Vintage Posters were originally produced in editions that numbered in the hundreds, and sometimes thousands, few survive in their original state. The lithographer's stones did not normally survive past their first printing.

It is the combination of rarity of a poster, condition, artist, and the image itself that will determine the final selling price of an individual poster. Some people purchase Vintage Posters with a specific subject matter, some are looking to work with a particular color scheme, while others prefer the style of a particular artist. At all times, the better the condition of a poster the higher its price. The size of the piece does not always determine the value of a poster.

How Did Posters Survive Over the Years?