1970s

Reportedly director George Lucas' favourite poster for the first Star Wars movie, the original artwork is said to hang in his house. The style D or "circus" style was created for an extended release in the early summer of 1978 to breathe some new life into the film's first release, which had been running for 18 months. Artists Drew Struzan and Charlie White III designed a poster within a poster, seemingly wild-posted on top of older posters, peeling to reveal a wooden board beneath. The concept came about out from necessity - the artists realised they didn't have enough room for all the credits so had to find a way to make more space. This was legendary poster artist Struzan's first poster for the Star Wars franchise - he would go on to design many more for Lucasfilm over the next 35 years.

Condition

Excellent (A-)

Backed on linen. Prior to backing this poster had one vertical and three horizontal machine folds as issued and a few minor nicks to right edge. Backing and spots of minor colour touching have smoothed and diminished fold lines. Image and colours excellent.