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04.26.06
Mantle Magic
What's on Your Wall Today?
by Sarah Tsai, iRhine
A group of highly respected poster dealers from the United States and Europe founded the International Vintage Poster Dealers Association (IVPDA) in 1966 providing authentication services and establishing fair trade guidelines to govern the buying and selling of vintage posters. There are approximately sixty certified members around the world, based in leading cities like Warsaw, Poland; Marseille, France; Liege, Belgium; New York; Chicago; and Los Angeles. Amongst them also is the name of Mr. Michael Hodesh from Cincinnati, Ohio, who owns the Vintage Poster Bank on 1421 Main Street, Over-The-Rhine.
I made the common mistake of walking into the store thinking that I would find images of Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh from Gone with the Wind. I found instead posters of fashion, food advertising, Monet, actual printing plates from the 1920s and industrial equipment made into contemporary furniture.
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What is a Vintage Poster?
Before radio and television, even before the widespread distribution of newspapers, posters were the most effective means of advertising and distributing messages to large numbers of people. The lifespan of a poster from concept to printing and exhibition is about six weeks. Rarity, image, artist, date and condition are some of the factors that help determine the value of a vintage poster. Pieces that were easily replaceable even a few years ago, but have since all but vanished from the poster market, can suddenly skyrocket in price. Subject matters and images that are popular are more sought after. If the poster designer/artist is well-known and admired, the value of a vintage poster is also affected. It is important to examine the state of preservation, quality, and the amount of restoration before making a purchase. A Gemstone in Over-the-Rhine
A professional dealer knows the significance of these variables Michael Hodesh is one of them. He has the mannerisms of an art collector rather than a persistent salesperson. He is not interested in massively re-printing the works of famous artists or setting up his store so that only the wealthy can visit. He wants his store to be a one-stop shop where people can experience the magic of walking through a collector's work, make the purchase, and pick out the frame for their beloved mantelpiece.
Mr. Hodesh has a long history of rehabilitating houses in OTR. The buying and selling of posters existed took place in between construction projects and real estate transactions. He has now sold all of his properties to focus on the posters. He has found that OTR is a very good place for artists. His poster store was moved to OTR recently from another location in downtown Cincinnati. He welcomes neighbors and buyers to visit the store and see how he works.
I walked through the store admiring the wit and artistic merit of these original posters. It was like walking though a time machine, where I found posters of peanut butter advertisement from the 60s. Next to it was an antique wooden plates used to print posters in 1920s with crayon residue on them. A different color was used on higher and lower planks on the plates. The highlights on a lady's hair and ruffles on a clown are still visible, just upside-down. An actual printing plate can be as large as 8ft tall and 20ft wide. I also found an elegant round mirror sitting on the floor, fashioned from a mould for making car wheels in 1905. This item won't be found in Pottery Barn but has the same sense of style and quality!
Road Shows & the Internet
From OTR, the Vintage Poster Bank distributes globally. Collectors and buyers from around the world can access their catalogue (good photos plus product description) though an eBay store. The eBay store allows vendors to customize their storefront, obtain business analysis to track performance and has advanced marketing tools to attract and retain buyers.
Another important way to raise visibility nationally and internationally as a distinguished distributor is by attending "road shows". At the time of this interview, Mr. Hodesh had just returned from a show in Chicago titled "Mid-Century Modernism". His biggest challenge is what to bring with him out of his extensive collection. Over the past thirty years, the owner of this store has collected thousands of valuable pieces.
Locally, you can find posters from Mr. Hodesh's items in Teller's of Hyde Park and Paul Brown Stadium. He has partnered with advertising firms and free agents. However, he emphasized,
"Art is a feel-good thing! I want people to feel comfortable with their purchases and enjoy the purchasing process. When people ask you - tell them where you got it."
Wanting to bring style to your home or office? Whether you are an independent collector or need someone to help pick out a piece of collectable art, the Vintage Poster Bank can help you obtain images that you will treasure.
Sarah Tsai is a Project Manager for Proxi Market Solutions, a consultancy firm that specializes in developing marketing strategies that leverage information technology for business applications. To make Cincinnati a better place to live, work and play, she volunteers with CincyUpdate (event calendar/weekly newsletter) and iRhine. She is a freelance writer, actor and model (visit sarahtsai.com). Contact: sarah@iRhine.com
Photograph by Dyah Kartikawening, iRhine
About Vintage Poster Bank
Hours: Th-Sat 11-6; or by appointment. Authentic and original, eclectic mix of vintage posters, antique advertising and decorative items. Custom framing available. Retail and wholesale. Call (513) 652-5589 during off hours for appointments. Open for Final Friday Gallery Walk.
Address
1421 Main St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: (513) 421-6659
Read more at iRhine.com >>>
About iRhine
iRhine is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that develops the focus of communication for the many diversified offerings in the historic Cincinnati neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine (OTR). Through the Web site, e-mails, educational meetings, events, and volunteering, iRhine has supported and encouraged socio-economic development for OTR and the Greater Cincinnati Region since 2000.
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