Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
An original 1997 promotional poster celebrating the collaborative album 'The Day Finger Pickers Took Over the World' by guitar legends Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel. Featuring vibrant, comic-book style illustration by artist Bruce Pogan, this poster depicts the duo as guitar-shredding heroes saving a city, complete with printed facsimile signatures from both artists and the illustrator.
Story
In 1997, country music icon Chet Atkins teamed up with Australian virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel for what would be Chet's final collaborative studio album. This whimsical, comic-inspired poster captured the joyful, boundary-pushing spirit of two masters of the fingerstyle technique joining forces.
Maker / Origin
The poster features the distinctive comic art of illustrator Bruce Pogan, commissioned by Columbia Records to give the album a larger-than-life, heroic visual identity. Chet Atkins, famously known as 'Mr. Guitar', pioneered the Nashville sound, while Tommy Emmanuel is widely regarded as one of the greatest acoustic guitarists of all time.
Condition & Value
The poster appears to be in very good condition with bright, unfaded colors. There is minor edge waving consistent with being stored rolled, but no visible tears, pinholes, or heavy creasing. Excellent preservation overall.
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.