Rare Talking Heads Promo Poster Gets the Museum-Quality Treatment
At Underglass Custom Picture Framing in San Francisco, we’ve seen all kinds of treasures come through our Castro frame shop during our 40 years in business. One of the most exciting recent projects? A rare promo-only Talking Heads poster for their Nude Album from 1988 — a bold, accordion-folded piece of music history.
The Poster
This poster is designed so that two striking images reveal themselves depending on your vantage point: a monkey illustration by Paula Wright and a black-and-white band portrait by photographer Chris Callis. The sharp band name typography gives the piece its distinctive, iconic edge. With folds nearly two inches deep, it’s an unusual and collectible artifact that demanded a thoughtful framing solution.
The Framing Challenge
Preserving and displaying an accordion-fold poster requires more than just a frame. Our team crafted a deep shadowbox in a sleek black satin finish, echoing the boldness of the poster’s typography while allowing the artwork to take center stage. The shadowbox construction ensures there’s room for the folds to breathe, so the piece retains its dimensionality rather than being pressed flat.
Museum-Quality Techniques
Because this was a one-of-a-kind collectible, conservation framing was non-negotiable. We used our own hand-prepped Japanese paper hinges, carefully bonded with wheat starch paste, a fully reversible and archival method trusted by museums worldwide. Each hinge was applied to secure the poster to the matboard without damaging the artwork itself. This technique not only holds the folds in place but also preserves the integrity and value of the piece for decades to come.
The result is a clean, understated shadowbox design with a bold presence — a perfect balance of aesthetics and preservation.
Why It Matters
Whether it’s a rare poster, an heirloom letter, or an original painting, framing at Underglass isn’t just about putting art behind glass — it’s about honoring the story and ensuring it lasts. With museum-grade materials, fine craftsmanship, and custom designs, we help our clients display their collections in ways that are both visually striking and fully archival.
Looking to frame your own poster, artwork, or collectible? Come by our San Francisco frame shop, call, or request a quote online. With 40 years in the Castro, we’re here to frame what matters most to you.