|
ART
PRINTS | BOOKS
& CATALOGS | POSTER
RESOURCES | ABOUT
EBAY
AUTHORIZED
ART PRINTS
ARCHIVAL
PRINTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS
Art
and movie fans have the opportunity to purchase special
archival prints of Richard Amsel's famous poster illustrations
for:
Available to the public
for the first time, these beautiful, limited edition (1000
each), high quality color digital prints are made from high
resolution digital image files color matched to the original
illustration art and printed using archival paper and inks.
Each
print measures 13" x 19", and costs $60.00 + shipping
& handling. (University of the Arts students receive
a discounted price of $35.00.) These are not reproductions
of the final movie posters, but of Amsel's original art
without
the text and titles.
Click
here for an order form.
|
|
BOOKS
& CATALOGS
Publications
that prominently feature Amsel's work.
RICHARD
AMSEL: A RETROSPECTIVE
 To
coincide with the Richard Amsel retrospective exhibit
in the Spring of 2008, The University of the Arts
produced a special catalog, which to date
is the definitive resource on Amsel's work. This beautiful,
48-page book features color illustrations of highlights
from the exhibit, some of which have never
before been published. (Not even on this
site!)
Also
included are personal tributes to Amsel from such
noted celebrities as Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin,
biographical information on the artist, and a comprehensive
list of all his official movie posters and TV Guide
covers.
Quantities
are extremely limited. Contact
The
University of the Arts for more
information.
The
University of the Arts, 2008. Softcover, 48 pages,
approx. 8.25 x 10.25".
Color and B&W images.
Price:
Originally $15. Current price may differ depending
on availability.
|
|
|
THE ART OF TV GUIDE
 Jerry
Alten's book examines the history of the entertainment
magazine's numerous covers, and the many celebrated
illustrators who contributed to them. It comes with
full page color illustrations, to compliment Alten's
descriptions.
Bangzoom
Publishers, 2007. Hardcover, 142 pages, approx.
11 x 8.4".
Color and B&W images.
Price:
$24.95 USD.
|
|
|
CHRISTIE'S
- THE ART OF RICHARD AMSEL
 After
Amsel's death in late 1985, much of the artwork from
his personal collection was auctioned away. Christie's
produced this auction catalog, released in 1987, featuring
the 47 lots.
Christie's,
1987. Softcover, 48 pages, approx. 8.25 x 10.25".
Color and B&W images.
Price: Approx. $100-$150 USD.
|
|
|
CHRISTIE'S
LOS ANGELES - THE MASTERS OF CINEMA ART
 In
June of 2000, Christie's held another auction of movie
poster artwork, including works from such artists
as John Alvin and Drew Struzan. A number of Amsel's
pieces were prominently featured.
I
attended this (it was held right outside of the USC
campus), and it reignited my interest in Amsel's career.
It was also where, oddly enough, I first learned of
Amsel's death, and that he passed at such a young
age.
This
softcover auction catalog contains biographical info
on each of the poster artists featured, along with
full color illustrations. Copies can easily be found
on eBay, and through other auction catalog sellers.
Christie's,
2000. Softcover, 163 pages, approx. 8.25 x 10.25".
Color and B&W images.
Price:
Approx. $40-$75 USD.
For
more on this auction, go to the
Christie's auction summary
page.
|
|
|
POSTER
RESOURCES
When
shopping around for movie posters, it's important to know
what to look for, and the price you'd expect to pay for
it. Say you're looking to get your hands on Amsel's poster
for RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. There are hundreds of cheap,
second and third run copies to be found on ebay or other
art and poster sites. If it comes at a cheap price, expect
to get cheap quality -- particularly poor color reproduction.
But if you're looking for the real thing -- a vintage poster
made in the original print run -- don't be surprised to
pay several hundred dollars, at least.
Before
making any purchase, be sure to do your homework. Many older
film posters will actually have a print run branding (usually
in the lower right hand corner), and be folded instead of
rolled. If a seller claims their item is an original, ask
if there's any verification or unique characteristics, or
high-rez images they can provide. Compare their item and
price to similar ones at other stores, and always
ask if they have a return policy.
Here
are some places online that I can recommend as a starting
point:
Buying vintage movie posters
CinemaMasterpieces.com:
Based out of Arizona, has a wide collection of old and foreign
posters.
FilmPosters.com:
A New York based company specializing in authentic movie
posters
Information on collecting
Movie
Collector's World: The monthy publication that is the
trade "bible" for movie poster collectors and dealers.
Movie
Poster Forum
Film Poster Restoration
Poster
Conservation: Based in Stamford, CT.
Posterfix.com:
Based in Brooklyn, NY.
Poster
Mountain: One of the most respected poster conservation
& restoration companies in the Los Angeles area.
|
ABOUT
EBAY
My
attitude toward eBay auctions is, simply, "buyer
beware". It's a great, easy resource for finding
things, but -- and I know I'm sounding like a broken record,
here -- be sure to do your homework. Should a seller even
have a high rating, it's more often a reflection of the
number of items he's sold, similiar to how McDonald's
promotes themselves by "so-and-so billion served"
instead of the quality of their food. Your best bet is
to find a seller who has a link to an online store, or
someone who can provide you with high resolution images.
If they're legit, and they give a damn, trust me, they'll
make time to answer your questions. Just do the smart
thing and be sure to ask them before on bidding anything.
The
link below offers a search of "richard amsel"
on the site. Approach with caution, and good luck!
|
|
