The history of posters begins in the 15th century with woodcut broadsides, which were crude, text-heavy announcements selling everything from religious indulgences to political decrees. But the modern poster as we know it, emerged in the late 19th century, propelled by the Industrial Revolution and the blossoming field of lithography. This new technology allowed for mass production of vibrant, colourful images, perfect for capturing the attention of urban crowds.

Paris of the 1920s became the artistic hub for these posters. Jules Chéret, the "father of the modern poster," seduced onlookers with his graceful Art Nouveau figures promoting theatres and nightclubs. Alphonse Mucha, conjured up otherworldly beauty with his flowing gowns and dreamy landscapes for products like Sarah Bernhardt's theatrical productions.

The poster's purpose expanded in the early 20th century. Consumer brands like Coca-Cola and Guinness employed bold typography and iconic imagery to etch themselves into public more...

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St. Ives Annual Show 1930, Sydney Australia, original colour…

St. Ives Show 1930 Advertising Poster

St. Ives Annual Show 1930, Sydney Australia, original colour lithographic advertising poster, printer: The O'Brien Publicity Co., 100 x 73 cm

1936 Evening News Jean Batten newspaper seller's poster,…

Jean Batten's Epic Solo Flight Newspaper Poster

1936 Evening News Jean Batten newspaper seller's poster, detailed 'October 16, 1936. How Jean Did It. Evening News 6.30', this being the day Jean Batten reached Auckland after her epic solo flight starting in England. Black and red printed on heavy paper.…

Sydney Ure Smith (Australian, 1887-1949) & Harry Julius…

Australia's 150th Anniversary Carnival and Pageantry

Sydney Ure Smith (Australian, 1887-1949) & Harry Julius (Australian, 1885-1938). Australia's 150th Anniversary * Sydney 1938, 1938 colour lithograph, signed 'Smith & Julius Studios - Sydney' lower right, 50.5 x 63.5 cm. Linen-backed. Text continues…

Douglas Annand, (Australian, 1903-1976). Sydney Australia. See…

New World Below the Equator

Douglas Annand, (Australian, 1903-1976). Sydney Australia. See The New World Below The Equator, c1937 colour process lithograph, signed in image centre right, 101 x 64 cm. Linen-backed. Text continues 'Particulars at Government, Shipping and Travel…

Albert Collins, (Australian, 1883?1951). The World's Loveliest…

"The World's Loveliest Harbour" Poster by Albert Collins (1930)

Albert Collins, (Australian, 1883?1951). The World's Loveliest Harbour, Sydney, Australia, 1930 colour lithograph, signed 'Albert Collins, S&J Australia 1930' in image lower right, 100 x 63 cm. Linen-backed. Text continues 'Particulars at shipping and…

Martin Sharp, (Australian, 1942 - 2013), [Sydney Opera House],…

Sharp's Opera House Anniversary Screenprint

Martin Sharp, (Australian, 1942 - 2013), [Sydney Opera House], 1983 colour screenprint, initialled 'S' in image lower right, signed and dated '5.4.92' in ink on image lower centre, 100 x 74 cm. Linen-backed. The poster is a text-free version of the 1983…

John Coburn (1925-2006) The Biennale of Sydney, Opera House Nov…

Biennale of Sydney Lithograph by John Coburn

John Coburn (1925-2006) The Biennale of Sydney, Opera House Nov 23, 1973 Colour lithograph, signed in image lower right. 101 x 75 cm. Linen backed.

(Travel Poster) Richard Ashton (1913-2001). Sydney New South…

Sydney: Adventure in Australia

(Travel Poster) Richard Ashton (1913-2001). Sydney New South Wales (From North Head), c1950s colour process lithograph, signed in image lower left, 102 x 77 cm. Linen-backed. Text continues 'Issued by the NSW Dept of Tourist Activities and Immigration.…

New Zealand: original poster ' 'Awatea' / In Service October…

Union Line's NZ Ship with Sydney Harbour Bridge Artwork

New Zealand: original poster ' 'Awatea' / In Service October 1936 / 15,000 Tons, 23 Knots / Australia - New Zealand / Union Line' with artwork by P Litchfield, showing Sydney Harbour Bridge in background, few minor tone spots, framed & glazed, overall 71…

Martin Sharp poster Festival of Sydney 1982, mounted on board,…

Sydney Festival 1982 Poster by Martin Sharp

Martin Sharp poster Festival of Sydney 1982, mounted on board, 102 cm x 76 cm approx.

c1950s travel poster, 'Sydney, New South Wales', artwork by J.…

Discover Sydney: Vibrant Travel Poster

c1950s travel poster, 'Sydney, New South Wales', artwork by J.Richard Ashton (1913-2001), published by The NSW Department of Tourist Activities and Immigration, colour process lithograph, printed by A.H.Pettifer, Government Printer, Sydney, size 101 x 77…

A large poster of the 1938 Empire Games held in Sydney. Signed…

1938 Empire Games Poster Signed by New Zealand Athletes

A large poster of the 1938 Empire Games held in Sydney. Signed by many of the New Zealand athletes and coaches and gifted to the Waikato Times Reporters. 101 x 63 cm