[Gutenberg 45555] • Picture Posters / A Short History of the Illustrated Placard with Many Reproductions of the Most Artistic Examples in all Countries

PREFACE.

In the present volume an attempt has been made briefly to trace (the history of the picture poster from the earliest times!) and to comment upon and reproduce some of the most noteworthy examples in various countries. The English and American placards have received special attention, while the best examples of the French school have not been overlooked. With very few exceptions, only posters signed, or acknowledged, by the artists producing them, are included among the illustrations. The whole subject is treated from the point of view rather of art than of commerce. While it is believed that this book is the first which deals in English with the Pictorial Poster, the author desires to recognize his indebtedness to M. Maindron's work, and to the catalogues of M. Sagot and Mr. Bella. The last-named has rendered material aid by lending, for the purpose of reproduction, not a few examples contained in his collection.

To name the artists and owners of valuable copyrights who have laid the author under obligations would, however carefully compiled, almost certainly contain serious omissions. It is hoped, therefore, that those whose names would figure in such a list will acquit him of intentional discourtesy or ingratitude. Special thanks are due to Mr. Gleeson White for his editorial work in connexion with this volume; indeed, whatever merits it may possess are due, in no small degree, to his care and assiduity. Although personally unknown to the writer, Mr. Spiel-mann has been so good as to assist materially in the matter of illustration. To the kindness of M. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is owing the frontispiece in the shape of a hitherto unpublished study for a poster; while the reproduction of a sketch for the "Phit-Eesi" placard was courteously consented to by Mr. Dudley Hardy, and Messrs. Vaterlow who printed the poster itself. The cover has been specially drawn by Mr. Charles Ffoulkes, to whom the writer desires to express his sincere thanks. The Artistic Supply Company (Limited) have been so good as to consent to the reproduction of unpublished copyright designs by Messrs. Bernard Partridge, Max Cowper, the Brothers Beggarstaff, Sydney Adamscm, Kerr Lawson, A. R. Wilson, and Lewis Baumer. A design, representing Sir Henry Irving as "Don Quixote" is illustrated here owing to the kindness of Miss Ellen Terry, who owns the original.

Charles Hiatt. October, 1895.

CONTENTS

PREFACE.

CHAPTER I. THE STORY OF THE PICTORIAL POSTER

CHAPTER II. IN FRANCE DURING THE PRESENT CENTURY

CHAPTER III. IN FRANCE. THE WORK OF CHÉRET, GRASSET, AND TOULOUSE-LAUTREC

CHAPTER IV. IN FRANCE: THE WORK OF WILLETTE, FORAIN, STEINLEN

CHAPTER V. IN FRANCE: THE WORK OF GUILLAUME, PALEOLOGUE, CHOU-BRAC

CHAPTER VI. IN ENGLAND: FROM FRED WALKER TO DUDLEY HARDY

CHAPTER VII. IN ENGLAND: THE WORK OF DUDLEY HARDY, AUBREY BEARDSLEY

CHAPTER VIII. THE WORK OF OTHER CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH DESIGNERS

CHAPTER IX. IN AMERICA

CHAPTER X. IN COUNTRIES NOT ALREADY DISCUSSED

CHAPTER XI. THE PRICE OF THE PICTORIAL POSTER; AND CONCLUDING NOTE