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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A rolled paper vintage magician poster 'Sorcar - the Worlds…

Sorcar: World's Greatest Magician

A rolled paper vintage magician poster 'Sorcar - the Worlds Greatest magician', by Asy litho works, Madras. Dimensions 2,20 cm x 00 cm

A framed 'Virgils' magicana show poster, paper laid down on…

Virgil's Magicana Show Poster with Indian Rope Trick

A framed 'Virgils' magicana show poster, paper laid down on hardboard and framed. Featuring 'Julie the sweetheart of magic' and the Indian rope trick. Printed by W.E. Smith Ltd, Sydney. Dimensions 99 cm x 4 cm

A vintage magician poster 'The great Lyle', lithograph on paper…

Vintage Magician Poster: The Great Lyle

A vintage magician poster 'The great Lyle', lithograph on paper laid on a framed hardboard panel. Dimensions 77 cm x 1 cm.

Four New Zealand 1950s magician and Vaudeville show posters,…

1950s New Zealand Magician and Vaudeville Show Posters

Four New Zealand 1950s magician and Vaudeville show posters, Laid down on hardboard. Nola Brothers, the great LeVante, Benyon, magicians and Illusionists, etc. Dimensions 102 cm x 8 cm (one smaller).

A framed 'Dividing a lady in two' original poster and 'The…

Vintage Magic Posters Collection

A framed 'Dividing a lady in two' original poster and 'The great Benyon' magician poster, the 20th century miracle, C. 1920. Dimensions 78 cm x 1 cm. The original 'Bam-Boo-Zalem' dated 1948, paper on hardboard. Dimensions 68 cm x 9 cm.

Two New Zealand Pears and Apples framed prints, plus 1950…

Fruit Prints and Vintage Magician Poster

Two New Zealand Pears and Apples framed prints, plus 1950 'Calvert' the magician poster, the framed prints 26 cm x 2 cm. The poster 50 cm x 0 cm.

A painted rolled canvas magician dragon show poster, signed and…

Magician Dragon Show Poster by D.H. George (1960)

A painted rolled canvas magician dragon show poster, signed and painted by D.H. George 1960 depicting a large swirling three clawed Japanese scaly dragon on a red background. Dimensions 2,80 cm x 50 cm.

Doors/Lothar and The Hand People/ Captain Beefheart and His…

Family Dog Concert Poster featuring Doors, Lothar, Beefheart

Doors/Lothar and The Hand People/ Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band 'Flash' Denver Concert Poster Fd-84 (Family Dog, 1967). 51 x 35 cm (20 x 14')