Collecting Prints, Posters, and Ephemera: Perspectives in a Global World

Collectors sought out posters and collect ephemera during the late-nineteenth and twentieth centuries to gain insight into cultures other than their own, and these materials have since been integrated into institutional collections. The issues facing curators and collectors of digital ephemera today include preserving and accessing these materials, as well as dealing with copyright and ownership issues.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 08 April 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Collectors have always been drawn to posters and other ephemera, but during the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries, their interest in these materials reached new heights. This was due to a variety of factors, including the rise of consumer culture, the expansion of transportation and communication networks, and the growing interest in art and culture.

One of the key reasons why collectors sought out posters and collect ephemera was their ability to capture the spirit of a particular time and place. Posters were often used to promote events, products, and political movements, and they often featured vibrant colors, bold typography, and striking images. They were also relatively inexpensive and easy to transport, making them accessible to a wide range of people.

As the twentieth century progressed, collectors began to focus on collecting works from cultures other than their own. This was driven by a growing interest in world culture, as well as the increasing availability of travel and the internet. Collectors sought out works from a wide range of cultures, including African, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American, and they often worked with local artists and collectors to acquire these materials.

One of the challenges facing curators and collectors of digital ephemera today is the preservation and storage of these materials. Unlike physical objects, digital ephemera can easily be lost or destroyed, and there are no easy ways to ensure their long-term preservation. Additionally, the nature of digital media means that it can be easily copied and distributed, making it difficult to control the distribution and ownership of these materials.

Despite these challenges, curators and collectors of digital ephemera continue to play an important role in preserving and promoting the art and culture of the past. They work with a wide range of partners, including museums, archives, and technology companies, to develop new strategies for preserving and accessing these materials. They also continue to explore new ways of collecting and presenting digital ephemera, such as through online exhibitions and digital archives.

In conclusion, collectors have always been drawn to posters and other ephemera, but during the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries, their interest in these materials reached new heights. This was due to a variety of factors, including the rise
of consumer culture, the expansion of transportation and communication networks, and the growing interest in art and culture. Today, curators and collectors of digital ephemera face a number of challenges, but they continue to play an important role in preserving and promoting the art and culture of the past. By working with a wide range of partners and exploring new ways of collecting and presenting these materials, they can ensure that the legacy of these materials is preserved for future generations.

Weight: 660g
Dimension: 234 x 160 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501377891