Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
A rare, vibrant red broadside poster for the 5th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival, featuring a woodcut-style sun motif and a legendary lineup. This piece captures the peak of the American folk music revival, listing icons like Judy Collins, Buddy Guy, and Phil Ochs.
Story
In September 1966, this poster hung as a beacon for the counterculture at the Old Pool Farm. It marks a historic collision where traditional bluegrass met the electric energy of the Chicago blues and the protest songs of the 60s.
Maker / Origin
The Philadelphia Folk Society was founded in 1957 to preserve traditional music, but their festival became a world-renowned stage. Their early posters often utilized bold, hand-pressed aesthetics that reflected the 'back-to-the-earth' ethos of the performers they hosted.
Condition & Value
The poster shows visible edge wear, small tears at the top margin, and a horizontal fold line across the center. These signs of use are common for authentic street-posted ephemera and do not significantly detract from its display appeal. Condition reduces value by roughly 25% compared to a mint specimen.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.