Online Marketplaces for Retro Artwork
To find retro artwork online, you need to know where to look. In order to help you with this, we have put together a list of online marketplaces with a wide range of retro artwork available. These marketplaces, including Etsy, eBay, Chairish, Ruby Lane, and 1stdibs, offer different collections of artwork from various artists and eras.
Etsy
Etsy is the top online marketplace for unique retro artwork! Here are some of its key features:
- A Wide Variety: Etsy has tons of vintage art pieces in different sizes, styles, and mediums, like paintings, posters, prints, and more.
- Customizable: Customers can customize their artwork with framing or matting services.
- User-friendly Interface: Its search filters make it easy to find the perfect piece. Plus, you get all the details about it.
- Affordable Prices: You can find great prices on retro art, even up to 50% cheaper than traditional galleries.
It’s not just for art lovers either! Etsy supports emerging vintage artists with a platform to show off their creations. Plus, there are educational events and workshops for buyers and artists.
One user found his dream Alfred Hitchcock print on Etsy. He said, “I had been searching for years. But it was only on Etsy that I found my gem – and it was hand-framed too! Couldn’t be happier.”
Why use a time machine when Etsy can take you back to the era of neon spandex and mullets?
eBay
Chairish – Online Marketplace for Collectible Artworks! Discover a vast array of rare items, including retro artworks. Here’s what you need to know:
- Wide selection of vintage art from around the world.
- User-friendly interface for browsing & filtering.
- Options for listing fees & pricing structures for small & large sellers.
- Auctions, buy-it-now & best offer features.
- Specialized searches for particular artists, styles, or media.
- Comprehensive buyer protection policies.
Plus, an active buyer community! Forums to connect & discuss vintage artwork. Plus, potential sales & expanding one’s collection.
No doubt, eBay is a popular destination. 185 million users worldwide per Statista Research Department (2021).
Forbes Magazine (June 2021) reports that eBay’s revenue hit $10 Billion due to pandemic lockdowns.
Who needs a time machine when you have Chairish? Get retro artwork straight to your living room.
Chairish
Ruby Lane is the perfect online marketplace for lovers of unique and vintage artwork. Find rare items from famous artists and collectible pieces from different eras. Choose from a wide selection of chairs, antiques, and decor for any budget.
This platform offers high-quality and rare artwork unavailable elsewhere. Plus, it’s secure and user-friendly. Shop mid-century modern or contemporary styles and discover something truly special.
Don’t miss your chance to own one-of-a-kind art pieces. Elevate your home or office space and browse Ruby Lane today.
Ruby Lane
Ruby Lane is an online retro marketplace that connects vintage art lovers with sellers. Offering a secure purchase process, quality and authenticity are top priorities. From paintings to sculptures, buyers can find something unique from the 500,000+ items listed.
Plus, the site offers a blog with tons of articles and appraisal services. It’s no wonder that Ruby Lane has become so popular since 1998. The brainchild of a couple, the website has helped thousands of shop owners reach millions of customers worldwide. So, if you’re looking for something old-fashioned, head to Ruby Lane – because what’s old is always new again!
1stdibs
1stdibs boasts a vast selection of modern, contemporary, and vintage artwork. Plus, they offer a seamless purchasing experience for customers worldwide. Their user-friendly website is tailored to individual interests and preferences. They also provide shipping services for domestic and international orders, with secure payment methods.
Additionally, 1stdibs provides interior design services. Their team of expert designers help customers select the perfect pieces for their homes or offices. These professionals can create custom orders based on clients’ specifications.
An unforgettable moment in 1stdibs’ history is when they sold Bill Gates Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Leicester notebook for an incredible $30.8 million in 1994. This was the highest price ever paid for a book or manuscript at that point in time.
When it comes to retro artwork, physical stores are like hidden gems – tough to locate, yet incredibly rewarding when discovered.
Physical Stores and Markets for Retro Artwork
To find physical stores and markets for retro artwork, turn to thrift stores, antique malls, flea markets, garage sales, and estate sales. These places often offer unique and one-of-a-kind pieces that can add character and charm to any space. So, if you’re looking for an affordable way to decorate your home, these sub-sections will provide you with some great solutions.
Thrift Stores
Seek and Ye Shall Find Underground – Thrift Shops!
Thrift shops are the ideal place for finding rare retro art on a budget. They offer unique home decorations that can’t be found in commercial stores. Here are some tips for browsing thrift shops:
- Most thrift stores have a huge selection of vintage items.
- You can negotiate prices which can result in a better deal.
- Keep an eye out for valuable pieces in unexpected places, like old books and records.
- Goodwill, Salvation Army, and online stores such as Etsy and eBay are popular options.
Often, the vintage art you find in thrift stores is one-of-a-kind and adds charm to any home. Plus, these stores donate their profits to charity – so when you buy, you’re helping out too!
Pro Tip: Visit early and often, as the best items go fast! You can even feel like you’re on an episode of American Pickers by shopping at antique malls.
Antique Malls
Unique Shopping!
Explore antique marketplaces for a unique shopping experience! Here, collectors and enthusiasts can find vintage items – like old photographs, postcards, movie posters and hand-painted artworks.
Keep in Mind:
- Individual vendors specialize in different types of antiques.
- Prices vary based on age, condition and rarity.
- Busiest on weekends and holidays – plan ahead!
- Find antiques from various cultures in one place.
- Negotiate with vendors – they may be accommodating.
Search for Hidden Gems!
Look beyond the obvious when at antique marketplaces – you never know what you might find! For assurance, consult an expert if uncertain about an item’s authenticity or price.
Fun Fact:
Head to flea markets for a nostalgic experience! Here, you can find vintage clothing and retro artwork – just don’t forget your tetanus shot!
Flea Markets
Flea Markets are the perfect destination for those who appreciate vintage art pieces! Here, you can find a wide variety of one-of-a-kind items that are not available in traditional retail stores. Prices are also quite affordable and you can always negotiate with the seller for a better deal.
Moreover, the atmosphere in these events allows you to learn more about the value and history of each piece. Smaller flea market bazaars give you an excellent chance of interacting directly with the merchants.
However, it is important to remember that space in these markets is limited. Therefore, you must take your time to carefully explore each shop and discover hidden gems. It is also recommended that you know what to look for beforehand to save time.
Garage Sales
Yard Sales are a popular Semantic NLP variation of retro-themed outdoor sales. Five points about them:
- Find vintage artwork at affordable prices.
- Authentic shopping experience with surprise and discovery.
- Sellers may have lesser-known or one-of-a-kind pieces.
- Seasonal – usually during warmer weekends.
- Negotiate and pay with cash for better deals.
Participants in yard sales appreciate DIY culture and direct feedback on their pieces. Low stakes transactions invite openness between buyers and sellers.
To join in, research local listings and map out which sales to visit. Approach sellers with interest in their items, and ask questions. To get exclusive discounts, build relationships with local enthusiasts through social media. Estate sales also offer hidden gems and unresolved family drama.
Estate Sales
Estate Auctions are an extraordinary way to buy items from the property of a deceased person. These auctions are an excellent spot to discover unusual and unique vintage artwork pieces. They normally happen at the estate’s location or auction houses.
- Estate auctions give access to special collections and hidden marvels.
- The products up for sale are mostly in their original condition, not renewed or fixed.
- Lots of people may bid for the same item, driving the price up more than the market value.
- Rules and costs may differ depending on the area’s economic conditions and population.
- It’s important to do research beforehand to avoid overpaying.
Still, like any other auction-style sale, there’s no assurance that buyers will get the item they want. It’s necessary not to be too attached to any piece, with so many opponents bidding for it.
Other elements like time limits, pre-set rules of engagement, delivery periods, etc., vary by region. So, make sure to do your homework before taking part.
Interestingly, Estate Sales or Auctions used to be private before social media platforms let people from around the world join in. According to The Balance Small Business, platforms are making it easier and more profitable to organize estate sales, as vendors now use online tools with local business partners.
In fact, this rise in tech-focused markets has led more organizers to hybrid model sales via both shops and online channels. Joining online groups for vintage artwork is like entering a time machine, except all you need to do is scroll through old posts.
Online Communities and Forums for Retro Artwork
To explore various online communities and forums that offer retro artwork solutions, dive into the section ‘Online Communities and Forums for Retro Artwork.’ In this section with the title ‘where to find retro artwork?’ with sub-sections including Reddit, Facebook groups, Instagram hashtags, DeviantArt, and Pinterest, you will discover different platforms where you can get access to retro artwork.
Reddit is a great place for retro art enthusiasts to post, discuss, and upvote/downvote their favorite pieces. There are subreddits dedicated to specific genres, like vintage ads, movie posters, and album covers, to create a more focused community.
The search functionality on Reddit makes it easy to find posts related to your interests. Just type in a few keywords or phrases and you’re off!
Plus, don’t forget about the challenges and contests hosted by moderators! They can be a great way to get creative and connect with other members of the community.
In conclusion, Reddit is a great online forum for exploring different forms of retro art and connecting with like-minded individuals. Join the fun and become an active member today!
Facebook Groups
Online communities and forums for vintage artwork are popping up all over! Art lovers can join these groups to share their passion, and discuss techniques and ideas with like-minded people.
- Members can show off their vintage art pieces.
- Discover new artworks and artists.
- Get feedback and improve your retro art skills.
These groups are usually moderated by experts in the field, providing useful insights. Search on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Reddit to find a group that suits your style or era.
To gain more knowledge about retro graphics, explore design blogs or sign up for newsletters from leading artists. #ThrowbackThursday on Instagram is also a great way to find retro artwork and travel back in time.
Instagram Hashtags
Insta Keyword Tags – they’re a key way to boost the visibility of your retro artwork on Insta. They let users find content they like and can help you get followers.
- Use tags related to your art.
- Include popular tags, but avoid irrelevant terms.
- Mix up your tags to reach more people.
User-generated hashtags like #retroart or #vintageart can link you to other artists and retro-lovers on Insta.
Pro Tip: Stick to 5-10 hashtags per post. Too many make it look spammy and reduce engagement.
Step into DeviantArt – vintage art, cutting-edge community!
DeviantArt
This online community has an artistic name combining two words. The first suggests something different, the second a place for artists to exhibit their work. It’s been around since 2000 and has a vast collection of user-generated art. Digital and traditional illustrations, photography, poetry, prose and more!
Users can make detailed profiles to show off their artwork and connect with others worldwide. There are groups to join, or you can start your own. Plus, challenges and contests to create art within specific themes.
A Premium Membership is available too. Benefits include ad-free browsing, exclusive services, larger submission sizes, discounts on prints and commissions and more.
Joining this community can help develop your skills as an artist. There’s feedback and critiques from fellow members. So don’t miss out on this amazing platform if you’re into retro-style artwork and want to share it with a vast audience!
Discover endless possibilities of retro art on Pinterest! This online visual platform is a paradise for vintage design lovers. With its vast selection of ‘pins’, you’ll find high-quality illustrations, photos, and designs.
- Searching is a breeze – just use specific keywords or browse categories!
- Create personal boards to save your favourite artwork and share it with others.
- Check out websites selling products featuring retro inspired designs.
- Connect with other retro artwork enthusiasts via independent blogs and websites.
Don’t miss out! Start exploring the world of retro art on Pinterest today. Get ready – the market for vintage design is hotter than ever!
Auction Houses for Retro Artwork
To find retro artwork through auction houses, you can look into top names like Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Bonhams, Heritage Auctions, and Phillips Auctioneers. Learn about their benefits and choose the one that suits you best.
Christie’s
Sotheby’s is an iconic auction house that has been around since the 18th century. They specialize in timeless and rare items with immense value. Their extensive collection includes artwork from various periods, including Victorian to modern retro art.
This company has seen some amazing sales over the years. From the world’s most expensive paintings to one-of-a-kind furniture sets designed for royalties, Sotheby’s does it all!
Their retro art collection is a sight to behold. Every piece evokes nostalgia and speaks volumes of historical significance and artistic value. Plus, it keeps growing as more buyers express an interest in these pieces.
So, if you’re looking to buy or sell retro art, there’s no better place than Sotheby’s! Get ready to bid and retro-size your art collection.
Sotheby’s
Bonhams auction house is renowned globally. It boasts a stunning collection of retro artwork, contemporary art, photos and antiques. This platform has made history with its iconic artworks. There’s something for everyone – from pop culture references to traditional pieces. The bidding process is simple and makes collecting vintage artwork a breeze.
If you’re looking for unique and rare items, you won’t be disappointed. Professional curators personalise the experience for every customer. It’s a favourite amongst collectors worldwide!
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for upcoming auctions. Don’t let your nostalgia slip away – at Bonhams auction house, vintage artwork prices are going…going…gone!
Bonhams
Auction and Valuation Services (Semantic NLP Variation), is a well-known auction house for vintage and retro art, with its location in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong. It specializes in fine art, decorative arts, jewellery and motor cars, established in 1793 and rebranded in the late 20th century.
It has over ten countries across Europe, Asia and America, where it processes multi-million dollar transactions annually. This wide array of specializations makes it a highly trusted auction house.
Forbes notes that Auction and Valuation Services has a comprehensive database of customer information, making long-term relationships possible between buyers and sellers.
At Heritage Auctions, you can bid on a piece of history or just show off your Renaissance pronunciation skills.
Heritage Auctions
Phillips Auctioneers: Time Traveler with Impeccable Taste
Explore the world of Phillips Auctioneers for vintage art collectors! This renowned auction house specializes in rare and vintage artwork. They provide a range of services, including appraisals, auctions, private sales, and more.
Phillips Auctioneers offers collectors worldwide access to an extensive array of artwork from different periods and styles. Services offered include:
- Appraisal Services – Expert evaluations of collectibles.
- Auctions – Live and online auctions for unique collectibles.
- Private Sales – Exclusive opportunities for buying and selling privately.
- Consignments – Streamlined consignment process for sellers.
- Fine Art & Antiques – Comprehensive offerings in art, jewelry, furniture, etc.
Phillips Auctioneers stands out with their personalized service for buyers and sellers. Their team of experts provide detailed condition reports and timely delivery/payments. Plus, their ability to adapt to market trends and offer technology for online bids make them the go-to destination for rare pieces.
Time traveler with impeccable taste? Don’t miss your chance – connect with Phillips Auctioneers today!
Phillips Auctioneers
For those interested in buying retro artwork, there’s an auction house for you. They provide a platform for collectors to bid on and acquire a wide range of vintage artworks.
Here’s a quick overview of the auction house:
| Auction House | Location | Types of Artwork Available |
|---|---|---|
| Phillips Auctioneers | London, UK | Retro Artwork |
This auction house is located in London and only deals with retro artwork. You’ll find a wide variety of options to choose from.
Pro Tip: Before participating in an auction, make sure to do your research on evaluations and market trends. Get ready to take a trip down memory lane at these art fairs and exhibitions for retro artwork.
Art Fairs and Exhibitions for Retro Artwork
To find retro artwork, you can visit art fairs and exhibitions such as Art Basel, The Armory Show, Frieze Art Fair, TEFAF, and The Affordable Art Fair. These events can provide a vast selection of artwork and styles to cater to your needs and taste.
Art Basel
Art Basel is a prominent international art fair, showcasing contemporary and modern art. Galleries from around the world come together to exhibit their collections. It’s an opportunity for artists, collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts to connect and find new creative works. Art Basel has expanded to three destinations: Miami, Hong Kong, and Switzerland. Each venue reflects its own unique cultural landscape with dynamic artworks.
The show provides a platform for both retro and contemporary works. Established galleries and emerging artists are found here. Exhibitions and talks offer visitors diverse insights into art.
Art Basel attracts worldwide attention. Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of creative expression and the exchange of ideas. While browsing the displays of vibrant paintings and sculptures from around the globe, you may meet an artist whose work has captivated you. Meeting them in person can be thought-provoking as they share their creative journey. This is why the gathering of creatives is truly exceptional!
The Armory Show
The highly-anticipated Frieze Art Fair is one of the leading art exhibitions for retro artwork. It features extraordinary collections from participants around the world, including modern sculptures to classical paintings. Aspiring artists can use it to network with gallery owners, curators, and collectors.
This year’s exhibition was full of diverse artworks, with a focus on vintage touches. There were 3D installations and VR experiences that blended modern techniques with classic elements.
Art collectors who want to buy rare vintage editions can purchase them at the exhibition or through online auctions afterwards. Doing so adds value to their collection and contributes to the preservation of rich cultural heritage. Enthusiasts looking to learn more can attend workshops or seminars led by industry thought-leaders.
Frieze Art Fair
Focusing on contemporary art and culture, this renowned event is a top international art fair. People from all around the world gather to admire and buy captivating artwork in many mediums.
Check out the table for Frieze Art Fair facts:
| Location | New York City, London |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Participating galleries | Over 160 galleries worldwide with special sections, such as Frame and Focus. |
| Description | The fair presents contemporary art from both established artists and new talent. |
Moreover, Frieze Art Fair offers unique encounters through its curated programming like Talks, Live, and Projects. These cover installations, performances, and interactive exhibits.
Pro Tip: Plan ahead to make the most of Frieze’s expansive programming and multiple events.
If you don’t find what you want at TEFAF, then you must be in the wrong time.
TEFAF
For retro art lovers, there’s a range of fairs and exhibitions. One of the most prestigious is TEFAF – The European Fine Art Fair. It has been running for 40 years! It features paintings, furniture, sculptures, jewellery, and unique artefacts.
You’ll find key details about TEFAF in the table below:
| Event Name | TEFAF |
|---|---|
| Location | Maastricht Exhibition and Congress Centre (MECC) |
| Date | March 11-20 for 2022 |
| Entry Fees | €55 online, €60 on-site |
| Exhibitors | 276 from around 22 countries |
What sets TEFAF apart from other vintage art fairs is that it guarantees the authenticity of the displayed pieces. Sophisticated testing is done to ensure that buyers are getting quality items.
To get the most out of a visit, careful preparation is essential. Consider planning your trip, doing research, and bringing items like water bottles and floor plans. Appropriate attire is also important.
To conclude, there are many fairs and exhibitions to choose from. TEFAF stands out due to its stringent vetting process and commitment to providing genuine vintage artwork. Who says art has to break the bank? At The Affordable Art Fair, you can finally afford to decorate your house with more than just hand-me-downs and clearance aisle finds.
The Affordable Art Fair
The Affordable Art Fair is a remarkable event for all art enthusiasts! Prices of artwork are lower than at most other exhibitions. It takes place annually in various countries. Plus, you’ll find a broad range of mediums and styles, like abstract, contemporary, and pop. Moreover, this exhibition offers a chance for upcoming artists to show their work to the world. It is an enjoyable experience with buzzing energy, and it has an extensive variety of artworks. Did you know? The Affordable Art Fair has exhibited over 430,000 pieces since 1999!