Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is an original 1997 promotional poster for the collaborative album 'The Day Finger Pickers Took Over the World' by guitar legends Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel. It features striking, comic-book style artwork by illustrator Bruce Hughes and is hand-signed in the bottom margin by both Chet Atkins (with his signature 'c.g.p.' designation) and Tommy Emmanuel, alongside the artist's signature.
Story
In 1997, country music pioneer Chet Atkins teamed up with Australian virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel for what would be Chet's final collaborative album. This poster captures the joyful, world-conquering energy of two masters at play.
Maker / Origin
Chet Atkins, known as 'Mr. Guitar,' was a legendary American musician and producer who helped create the Nashville sound. Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian fingerstyle guitar master whom Chet personally designated as a 'Certified Guitar Player' (C.G.P.)—an elite title Chet bestowed on only five people in his lifetime.
Condition & Value
The poster appears to be in very good condition with bright colors and no major tears or staining visible. There is some minor edge waving, which is typical for unbacked paper posters, but it should flatten beautifully if professionally framed. Excellent preservation of the signatures.
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.