What Makes a Rock Poster Collectible?
When evaluating rock posters there are many factors to consider. Concert posters are an artistic, historical record of a musical event, and they may create feelings of nostalgia in someone who attended a concert, or even an emotional connection to a particular cultural era. Some collectors focus on the work of specific artists or bands, while others view rock concert posters as an investment opportunity, especially when some posters are now worth thousands of dollars in today’s expanding memorabilia market. Whatever your motivation for collecting rock posters, there are key elements to take into account. In the final analysis, collecting what you like may be the most important consideration of all.
Edition
Rarity increases value and makes a rock poster more collectible. This is true of modern as well as vintage posters.
The original printing of a poster is more valuable than a reprint. In the case of vintage posters, take as an example the Fillmore and Family Dog numbered series. Many of these posters were reprinted two or three times, and there are subtle differences between printings that you need to be aware of when dealing with these vintage items. You can find a list of books on this subject at References for Collecting Rock Posters on this site.
Modern rock concert posters can be divided into several categories:
- Printed as limited edition consecutively numbered prints, signed by the artist.
- Printed with a known number in the run, but not numbered; signed by the artist.
- Printed with a known number in the run, but not numbered or signed by the artist.
- Printed as an open edition, where the poster is printed many times with no set number in the run. These may be signed or unsigned.
Editions printed with a smaller total number in the run are more collectible than larger editions. A poster that is hand signed by the artist is more valuable than an unsigned print.
Printing Technique
Many collectors of modern gig posters favor prints created by the silkscreen process over those produced as lithographic/offset prints. This trend has contributed to the desirability and value of silkscreen posters. Of course, there have been, and continues to be, many great collectible posters produced that are not screen prints.
The Artist
The popularity of an artist and the value that has come to be associated with his work can be a major factor in a poster’s desirability. Some collectors even choose to make the posters created by specific artists the major focus of their collection.
Originality of the Design
As with all artistic endeavors, some posters stand out as unique works of art that generate mass appeal.
Featured Performers/Venue
The musicians featured on a poster play a prominent role in its value and how much collectors covet it. For example, a concert poster that lists Jimi Hendrix as the headliner is much more valuable than one for a lesser known performer or a less popular one.
The venue the poster was created for can also contribute to its popularity.
Condition of the Poster
The condition of a poster is a major factor in determining its value. Posters that have been properly stored will be in mint condition with no flaws.
Damage from environmental factors such as fading due to exposure to sunlight, yellowing and decomposition from attack by acidic oxidizing gasses, or discoloration from mold and mildew all contribute to a decline in the value of a collectible poster. Careless handling that leads to bent corners, creases, tack holes, etc., also has a negative effect on poster value.
A damaged poster that is extremely rare may still be valuable, based of course on the extent of the damage, and the demand for it by collectors.
Linen backing and paper restoration have long been an accepted practice among collectors of movie posters, but as a general rule it is considered taboo by most serious rock poster collectors. But when the preservation of a valuable poster is in jeopardy, it may be wise to consider the services of a professional restorer.
In the linen backing process, the poster is mounted with wheat paste to acid-free rice paper, which has been adhered to canvas “linen.” The result helps to preserve the poster and make it more durable. The process is reversible and so the backing may be removed at a later time. In the restoration process, tears can be repaired, stains can be removed, and missing paper can even be replaced. In some cases an expert would be required to ascertain how much restorative work was performed on a finished piece. For obvious reasons it is necessary to state the amount of restoration performed when selling a poster that has been professionally restored.
