Original Halloween Poster Painting Up for Auction
John Squires
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There are countless things about John Carpenter’s Halloween that personify the term iconic, from the score to the blank white mask that has terrified several generations of audiences. Equally iconic is the film’s poster art, which was designed by Robert Gleason. Want to own it? Well now you can.
Over on Heritage Auctions, Gleason’s original acrylic painting (27″ X 39.75″) just went up for auction, and at the time of writing this post, the bidding has reached a whopping $18,000. Bidding will end this Saturday, March 26, and one horror fan will take home the ultimate piece of Halloween memorabilia.
Full item description…
Heritage is proud to offer what can only be classified as a truly unique, important, and historically significant piece of movie artwork: Robert Gleason’s original movie poster painting for the film, Halloween.
In 1978, the horror landscape forever changed with the release of the film, which is not only recognized universally as one of the most frightening slasher features of all time, but also an undeniable masterpiece of the genre. Equally as chilling (if not more so) is the instantly recognizable work of art gracing the original one sheet, brought to haunting life by artist/illustrator Robert Gleason.
Prior to his work on Halloween, Gleason utilized his artistic talents for the creation of album covers for the likes of Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight and the Pips, as well as the poster artwork for the Bruce Lee film, Game of Death. When approached by his agent regarding the creation of a poster for Halloween, Gleason took a stab at a concept, utilizing a hand, knife, and pumpkin. Surprisingly, Gleason’s idea was not to the liking of the design firm, as they felt the mask of villain Michael Myers should be the primary image. A few days later, however, the firm would come to their senses and ask Gleason to return with his concept. The result of which is nothing less than one of the most iconic images in horror history.
While the shocking nature of a knife-wielding pumpkin on a black background is not lost on viewers, what is often missed is the ominous wailing face with worms hidden within the knuckles and veins of the hand. Somewhere during the 37 year period between the creation of the artwork and its arrival at Heritage, the back of the hand was painted over. Upon verifying the piece was indeed his, Gleason utilized an acrylic solvent to remove the overpainting, restoring his work to its eerie original glory. Included is a letter by Gleason, detailing the history of the painting creation, as well as his process for restoration.
Not to be missed by collectors of horror and/or fine art, this framed original painting shows only minor lifts and glue residue at the edges of the illustration board from when it was previously framed, none of which interferes with Gleason’s stunning work. Very Fine.
Excuse me while I clean my drool off the keyboard.
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