European Masters Original Exhibition Posters

This exhibition presents 53 original exhibition posters by leading 20th century artists including Picasso, Matisse, Miró, Chagall, Léger, Braque and Hockney. Far from being secondary works, these posters were often conceived and designed by the artists themselves as a natural extension of their printmaking practice. Many were produced as original lithographs at renowned Parisian ateliers such as Mourlot Frères, where artists worked closely with master printers to achieve clarity, impact and immediacy. Created for specific exhibitions and intended for public display, these works combine artistic authority with a directness that remains compelling today.

Because exhibition posters were made to be used, they were rarely preserved, and well-kept examples are now increasingly scarce. Seen in person, their distinction is unmistakable: the weight and texture of the paper, the depth of ink, and the subtle variations of hand-pulled lithography place them far beyond the realm of modern digital reproductions. They possess a physical presence and honesty that rewards close looking and gives them real presence on the wall. Importantly, original exhibition posters also remain one of the most accessible ways to acquire original prints by major 20th century artists, offering both historical connection and visual strength. This exhibition invites you to experience these works directly, to appreciate their material quality, and to discover objects made with purpose, intelligence and enduring appeal.