From Russia with Love (1963), poster, British

From Russia with Love (1963), poster, British

Artists: Eric Pulford (1915-2005) and Renato Fratini (1932-1973)

Unframed: 22 1/4 x 27 7/8 in. (56.5 x 70.8 cm)

Eric Pulford was responsible for designing hundreds of film posters during his long career. Pulford ran Downton Advertising agency, which held the Rank account and accounts with most of the other large studios. He was instrumental in bringing Renato Fratini, an Italian commercial artist, to London, and collaborated with him on many poster campaigns. Often Pulford produced the design and Fratini did the painting. This was the only British Bond poster campaign that Fratini worked on, and is undoubtedly one of the most famous and collectable posters in the Bond series.

An exceptionally rare British poster.

Following the success of Dr. No, Eon Production's budget for this second Bond film was dramatically increased. This film was also directed by Terence Young, and again stars Sean Connery as Bond. It was based on Ian Fleming's 1957 novel. The film was a huge box-office success. It heralded the debut of Desmond Llewelyn as Q, a role that he would play for thirty-six years.