Speaking of Antiquing, June 2014
Summer is here and the Britt Festival comes to life with an energy our town looks forward to.
I bet you have something “Britt” in your house, like a poster. Britt posters adorn the walls of the Bella Union going back to the 1960’s. The Jacksonville Inn has collected autographed posters from the days of the Festivals within a Festival—Jazz Festival; Dance Festival and more. Jacksonville Elementary School has several framed posters adorning their walls—gifts from Britt—creating a legacy of art for students to grow-up with.
Eugene Bennett created the art behind three of my personal favorite Britt posters and now they are beginning to show up at Estate Sales!
Gene’s 1963 painting is my favorite of all. Angela Warren, Britt’s Director of Performing Arts explained it best in her blog entry from February 3, 2012. “In 1984 when Britt decided to create an annual Fine Arts Poster, Gene offered his 1980 painting “Evening at Britt” (a depiction of the orchestra on stage in the newly built permanent pavilion) as the first poster. In 1992 for Britt’s 30th anniversary, Gene allowed the Festival to use his 1963 “Britt Festival” as the poster. And in 1996, the Fine Arts Poster again featured Gene’s work—a 1991 sepia-toned oil of six Britt musicians called “The Rehearsal”.”
Britt printed these posters for their members, and then they go on sale to the general public. I was lucky to purchase the 1991 sepia-toned signed poster at the Bennett Estate Sale for $50! I purchased a framed version of the 1963 “Britt Festival” that was the 1992 poster and was willing to pay some serious money for it. When I do run across a Britt poster at a sale, I inevitably overhear someone saying which poster is their favorite and which one they own. Perhaps you have a signed Britt poster that you are wondering the value of. These values are now being established by what they are selling for at sales and even auctions. Your $20-$35 investment will increase in value.
Britt has a wonderful display of framed posters at the downtown Medford offices and if you’ve ever been pondering purchasing a poster to frame yourself, I’d get right on it. They have one of everything. And, if you are looking for the Eugene Bennett posters like I am—keep at it. It’s worth it! But in the meantime, there are still some signed copies at Britt’s offices.
Joelle Graves is owner of Sterling Creek Antiques in Jacksonville.
Posted May 30, 2014
Joelle Graves is the owner of Sterling Creek Antiques located at 150 South Oregon Street in Jacksonville, Oregon. Visit her website at