Bonneaud Appétit!

First up from The Stanislas Choko Collection is Jacques Bonneaud, who might very well have been the first modern-day poster artist workaholic. He never took vacations as every day at dawn, he would go to work alone at his studio, utilizing his talents for composing dramatic scenes with stunning portraiture and sumptuous colors. Often described as unrelenting, monastic, and unsociable (since he had few friends in the biz) — Bonneaud was a fast worker, which was rare in the lithography world.

But all of his hard work certainly paid off! Over a 35-year career from 1922-1957, he did over 2,000 film posters — even though he wasn’t a huge movie fan. Before each assignment, he simply read the script and took a cursory look at a few B&W publicity stills before he went back to the drawing board.

Unfortunately, at age 60, his style went out of style and he spent the last remaining years of his career at a print shop designing advertising labels for dairy products. However, his gorgeous work still lives on and now you can see it all here.

Don’t Know Much About History…

Who says you can’t learn something new everyday? I came across this classic article on the history of movie posters and the National Screen Service, written by none other than longtime EMP dealer, Bruce Hershenson, way back in 1998. So I thought I’d share it with those who missed it the first time around…(via All Poster Forum)

Plus Size Posters!

Speaking of history, EMoviePoster has another auction of weird, but wonderful non-U.S. oversized posters that ends today. (And yes, that is a gorilla mask that the lady in the bikini is holding in poster #1. No idea what it means!)

Remake Monday: New Banner!

Poster Nirvana recently called me out and said my blog banner and “World’s Most Awesome Movie Posters”-moniker was maybe a little too juvenile and unsophisticated for my content…and frankly he’s right.

So today, I officially unveil a brand-new spankin’ banner with a new slogan, “The World’s Most Awesome Museum of Movie Posters” — or, MoMP, for short (you know, like MoMA for movie posters). Okay, I admit it’s not a huge change, but Meansheets is all about the baby steps. I even wanted to buy the Momp.com domain, but the Mid-Ohio Medical Physics group already beat me to the punch. Anyway, hope y’all enjoy the redecorating. And stay most awesome!

Out with the old…

…In with the new!

Poster Nirvana Rocks!

If Kurt Cobain were alive today, he might say that the movie poster collection on Poster Nirvana was in full bloom. Mel, the owner, just recently started collecting back in March 2009 and has quickly amassed a nice solid stash of contemporary classics — and his website neatly divvies up his holdings by ratings, decade, genres, and sub-genres. Another cool facet of his site is the “Recalled Section” where he provides some interesting back stories to how and why several big-time movie posters (Clockers, Dick Tracy, Pulp Fiction, and more) were pulled by their respective studios over the years.

Although it appears that he’s a major fan of the franchises like Star Wars and James Bond films, he also has an impeccable knack for display as he seamlessly mixes in 60’s and 70’s mod pieces with 21st Century one-sheets …and yet somehow makes it all work. And I’m sure his framer must be one happy guy/gal!

Buried Treasure!

Speaking of real estate, the MoPo forum had a fascinating story last week about a man who discovered a whole treasure trove of vintage movie posters in his attic!

Poster Crush: EatBrie!

EatBrie, the humble home of Thierry Brame’s movie poster collection, is a feast for the eyes. The modest Brame will tell you that his bounty is no big deal, but don’t believe a word of it! Rumored to have the world’s largest stash of Spielberg one-sheets (aside from Mr. Spielberg, I’m sure), Brame’s website breaks down his posters into an easy searchable database by Actors/Actresses, Director, Genre, Country of Origin, Release Date — and, my personal favorite, Last 100 Purchases, where he shows off his most recent mouth-watering buys.

So if you have an insatiable appetite for movie posters, dig into EatBrie — and join his All Poster Forum!

EMoviePoster For President!

Now for some shameless joint-promotion, here’s a web ad I created for every collector’s favorite movie poster auction house, EMoviePoster.com

The Art of film/art

The Film/Art Gallery in Los Angeles has a cool new page up now detailing the transition of movie poster advertising from the feel good 50’s to the Mad Men-esque explosion of photography in the 60’s and 70’s. And there’s also a nice mention of film/art’s tasteful proprietor, Matthew McCarthy, in The New York Times!