8 Landmark Moments in Poster History
Posters have been much more than paper on walls — they have shaped culture, spread ideas, advertised innovation, and decorated homes for centuries. From their earliest origins in printmaking to their present role as handmade works of art, posters are a fascinating reflection of the societies that produced them. For collectors, designers, and anyone who loves wall art prints today, understanding the history of posters reveals why they remain so powerful in our lives.
At 98 Types, we specialise in handmade posters UK inspired by movies, music, sports, and interior decoration. Our focus is not only on celebrating the beauty of wall art but also on appreciating the historical journey that made posters such an iconic medium. In this article, we explore eight landmark moments in poster history that changed the way people saw art, advertising, and decoration.
1. The Birth of Lithographic Posters (1796–1800s)
The invention of lithography by Alois Senefelder in 1796 changed visual communication forever. Before lithography, reproducing large-scale prints with colour was slow, expensive, and often limited to elite circles. With lithography, artists could mass-produce vibrant posters quickly and affordably, bringing art prints to the streets and eventually to homes.
By the early 1800s, lithographic techniques allowed businesses to advertise products with bold, eye-catching designs. This innovation is often regarded as the first real moment in modern poster history. Without lithography, the explosion of vintage posters in later centuries — from circus announcements to Parisian cabaret art — would not have been possible.
For today’s collectors, lithographic posters are among the most valuable antique prints. They are also the ancestors of modern handmade posters, which often replicate the bold, hand-crafted feel that lithography made famous.
2. Jules Chéret and the Art Nouveau Revolution (1860s–1890s)
The second landmark moment came with the work of Jules Chéret, often called the “father of the modern poster.” In the late 19th century, Chéret elevated posters beyond mere advertising into a form of art. His colourful, playful designs for cabarets, theatres, and dance halls in Paris reflected the new spirit of modern urban life.
Chéret’s style, blending artistic illustration with commercial messaging, set the stage for Art Nouveau masters like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Alphonse Mucha. These posters were not just about selling tickets or drinks — they were statements of identity, taste, and culture.
Today, retro posters inspired by Art Nouveau remain popular as wall decor prints. Their flowing typography, elegant figures, and vibrant palettes work beautifully in modern homes, especially for fans of vintage aesthetics. Many handmade designers still reference Mucha’s iconic style when creating decorative art posters for living rooms and bedrooms.
3. Propaganda Posters of the World Wars (1914–1945)
No exploration of poster history would be complete without recognising the role of posters during the First and Second World Wars. Governments realised that posters could inspire, persuade, and even manipulate public opinion on a massive scale.
In the UK, the famous “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster — originally designed in 1939 but rediscovered decades later — is one of the most recognisable posters in history. In the United States, Uncle Sam’s “I Want You” recruitment poster became an enduring symbol of patriotism. In the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, propaganda posters were used to spread ideology with striking graphics and powerful slogans.
These wartime posters demonstrate the persuasive power of design. They show how posters are not only decorative but also deeply connected to political and cultural history. For collectors today, vintage propaganda prints are treasured as both art and historical artefacts.
4. The Golden Age of Movie Posters (1920s–1960s)
By the 1920s, cinema had become the world’s favourite form of entertainment, and movie posters became essential for attracting audiences. This period is often called the golden age of movie poster design.
Hand-painted illustrations advertised stars like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and James Dean, while bold typography and dramatic imagery drew people into theatres. Classic designs such as the poster for Casablanca (1942) or Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) are still highly sought after by collectors.
For fans of film, retro movie posters UK remain one of the most popular types of wall art today. Handmade reproductions capture the timeless charm of old Hollywood, making them ideal for home theatres, bedrooms, or living rooms. At 98 Types, we specialise in handmade movie poster prints that celebrate both classic and cult cinema.
5. Music Posters and the Rise of Youth Culture (1950s–1970s)
The post-war period saw the explosion of rock ’n’ roll, pop, and later punk — and with it came a new era of music posters. From Elvis Presley and The Beatles to Jimi Hendrix and The Sex Pistols, posters became central to youth culture, decorating bedrooms, dorm rooms, and concert venues.
The psychedelic concert posters of the 1960s, with their swirling patterns and neon colours, were not just advertisements but works of art in their own right. They reflected the counterculture spirit of the time and are now among the most collectible pieces of vintage poster history.
Today, handmade music posters UK remain hugely popular. Fans continue to decorate their homes with designs featuring their favourite bands, albums, and lyrics. At 98 Types, our song lyric wall art prints and band poster designs celebrate this tradition, turning music into visual inspiration.
6. Sports Posters as Global Icons (1960s–1980s)
While movie and music posters were dominating entertainment, sports posters were rising as cultural icons. The 1966 FIFA World Cup in England produced unforgettable poster designs that captured national pride. The Olympic Games also contributed iconic artwork, blending athletic excellence with bold modernist graphics.
In the 1980s, sports posters of stars like Michael Jordan, Diego Maradona, and Muhammad Ali became staples in bedrooms and gyms. For many fans, these posters were not only decoration but also motivation — reminders of passion, dedication, and excellence.
Today, handmade sport posters UK remain popular as wall decor in both modern homes and personal spaces like man caves, gyms, and offices. They bring energy and inspiration while celebrating sporting legends.
7. Posters as Political and Social Protest (1960s–Present)
From the civil rights movement to climate change activism, posters have played a critical role in social protest. The 1968 Paris student uprising was filled with bold, handmade screen-printed posters that called for revolution. In the United States, protest posters against the Vietnam War became iconic symbols of dissent.
In more recent times, posters continue to serve as tools for activism — whether it’s feminist slogans, LGBTQ+ pride art, or environmental messages. The handmade nature of many protest posters echoes their roots in craft and community.
This legacy connects directly to today’s resurgence of handmade posters UK, where artists and independent makers create meaningful designs that reflect personal beliefs and social values.
8. The Digital Era and the Revival of Handmade Posters (2000s–Present)
The 21st century brought digital printing, allowing posters to be produced faster and more affordably than ever. But paradoxically, this mass production created a hunger for the authentic, tactile quality of handmade design.
Hand-printed screen posters, letterpress designs, and custom handmade wall art prints UK have become highly sought after. People crave authenticity in their homes, preferring posters that feel crafted rather than generic. This revival of craft connects us back to the earliest days of poster history, when each print carried the hand of the artist.
At 98 Types, our mission is to celebrate this tradition by offering handmade posters inspired by movies, music, sports, and decoration. We combine the heritage of poster history with modern design sensibilities, creating wall art that is timeless, authentic, and personal.
Posters as Timeless Wall Art
From lithography to Art Nouveau, from world wars to youth culture, posters have always been more than paper. They are cultural touchstones, political tools, and decorative treasures. For modern collectors and homeowners, they remain one of the most affordable and accessible forms of art.
Whether you love retro movie posters, handmade music prints, sport posters, or minimalist decorative wall art, posters carry a unique ability to transform walls into reflections of personality and passion. The eight landmark moments in poster history remind us why this medium continues to thrive.
At 98 Types, we are proud to carry on this legacy by offering handmade poster prints UK that honour tradition while speaking to today’s tastes. Explore our collection to find the perfect piece of wall art that celebrates your love for cinema, music, sport, and design.