While the ‘Style C’ artwork by British illustrator Tom Chantrell is instantly recognisable, it is presented here on a scarce Indian 2ft 3in x 3ft 4in (70cm x 1.02m) poster made around the time of the film’s release in the subcontinent on July 1, 1978.
Rarer than the equivalent posters made for the UK market (Star Wars did not become a phenomenon in India), it was the first of its type the auction house had offered.
It came for sale from the personal collection of Charles Lippincott (1939-2020), the marketeer best known for promoting and licensing the first part of the Star Wars trilogy.
Offered in unrestored condition, with some noticeable wear along the fold lines, the poster was guided at a nominal £100-150 but took £6000 on December 8-9 in Rickmansworth.
