“… our stock of over a thousand posters is amongst the ten best held by commercial galleries worldwide.”
Brett Ross, founder since 1993.
Letitia Morris Gallery, owned by art dealer Brett Ross, has been specialising in Original Vintage Posters since 1993.
As the first to bring original Bally posters by Villemot to Melbourne, Brett has continued to source original vintage posters for over 23 years, predominantly from Paris and outlying French regions.
Today, the Gallery holds an extensive range of vintage posters that reflect the graphic diversity and ingenuity of 20th Century graphic designs, such as those by Bonnard, Cassandre, Gruau and Savignac.
The majority of the Gallery’s posters have been laid down on linen and “canson” paper backing for conservation purposes, ensuring stability and an enhanced presentation. Our linen backer is the only qualified restorer and backer of vintage posters in Australia. We also offer framing advice and services.
We invite you to visit our Gallery on High Street, Armadale, to see and experience our collection. Let us show you through our posters and share with you our knowledge and passion for these graphic creations.
A family Owned Business since 1993
Letitia Morris Gallery situated at 1158 High Street, Armadale, has had a long history spanning - years. Originally specialising in antiques, the gallery has been a central attraction for shoppers looking for a piece of history. In 1993, Brett Ross, owner and founder of Letitia Morris Gallery, had the vision and foresight to focus entirely on selling original vintage posters, stepping away from the world of antiques. Brett’s extensive knowledge of art history, and his passion for original lithography paved the way to Brett opening Australia’s first gallery specialising in vintage posters. With a specific interest in French posters harking back to Brett’s world-wide travels and long periods in Paris, Brett was able to bring his enthusiasm and expertise in original French posters to an Australian audience, and in 1993 successfully introduced the first original Bally posters to High Street.
Today, the gallery is run and managed by Jim Ross, Brett’s son, carrying on the gallery as a family owned and run business. Jim, fluent in French due to his early childhood in Paris, brings his experience growing up surrounded by French vintage posters and his interest in moving the gallery in new and exciting directions by introducing and focusing on contemporary artists.
About Original Vintage Posters
What is an original poster?
An original poster, quite simply, is the first printing of a graphic promotion. Later reproductions, though decorative, have no real value.
Why should I be interested in purchasing an original vintage poster?
Because it’s the world’s most popular art form. Its documentation is exceptionally diverse; at once historic, artistic, graphically wide-ranging and nostalgic. And on top of everything posters are decorative. Some of them are stunning and imaginative, while others are just downright pretty. Their appeal is timeless. They are rare, and above all they are original. They can be vintage or they can be contemporary. And remember that today’s latest advertising graphics are the classics of tomorrow.
Then why are the remaining posters valuable?
Because the quantity of the original poster doesn’t relate to its value. The quantity printed doesn’t really matter. What does matter is how many copies were saved on the day it was printed. There is no “day 2” for original posters. During the height of the poster craze in the late 1890’s, printers would overrun an edition of a design and sell these extras to poster clubs, advertisers, individual collectors, etc. These are the copies that have come down to us – those very few posters saved from the original overrun.
How many copies of a poster were printed?
In all honesty, we don’t know. It’s impossible to say how many copies were made to be pasted on the walls of any given city.
Why buy Vintage Posters in Australia from Letitia Morris?
We source our original posters from Paris and the extended regions of France. After the poster has been sourced and shipped to Australia, the poster is linen-backed onto high-quality canvas linen, which adds to the preservation and conservation of the piece.
We work with Fini Frames, official framers for the National Gallery of Victoria, to ensure our clients are guaranteed the highest quality hand-crafted, archival-style framing available. Letitia Morris Gallery offers a free delivery service on all our framed, large-format posters to inner Melbourne locations.
Our collection of posters are original lithographs. A lithograph is produced and pressed by hand, using stone or metal plates to paper to produce commercially reproduced images. Closely resembling a painting, lithographs are unique, which adds to the appeal. If a lithograph is in excellent condition and production numbers are low, this can create a sense of exclusivity and increase the value of a poster if circulation decreases.
At Letitia Morris, our mission is to offer an unparalleled selection of posters, ensuring that every enthusiast and collector finds something that resonates with their taste and interests. In addition to our regular services, we understand that our clients have diverse schedules and needs. To accommodate this, we offer private appointments after hours. These appointments provide a more intimate and focused experience, allowing clients to explore our collection in a quiet, personal setting. It's an ideal opportunity for those who wish to take their time examining pieces, seek expert advice, or simply prefer a more private setting for their viewing. Contact us today and get one step closer to adding the next poster to your collection.
Our entire range can be viewed and purchased online, alternatively Letitia Morris Gallery is located at 1158 High Street, Armadale.
The Gallery in Melbourne, Australia
