re you a fan of vintage art? Do you like Art Deco and Art Nouveau classics? Does your spirit reverberate to the world of days gone by? Do you like vintage cars like the Hupmobile and lovely scenes of a sweeter, simpler time? Do you ever wish that women still wore gloves and whimsical hats, rustling silks and crisp linens or that men drove cars that spoke of romance and wore clothing as complicated as that of their lady friends? Whether you are too young to remember or too old to forget - Tom and Judy Lewis have opened a vintage poster & gift shop where you can find yourself in another era when glamour and beauty were cool and people were more dreamy-eyed than they are now. And, no matter your taste or budget - there is something in their shop just for you.

The Lewises have fallen madly in love with the people and setting of Bluffton and have brought us their love for vintage art. They offer original posters dating all the way back to the 1890’s for the serious collector and reproductions for the rest of us --- at prices we can all afford. Whether you need something very large for a high ceiling or want something tiny to brighten up a special space - they have a fabulous array of great choices in all sizes to fit in with most any style decor. Some of the art doesn’t even require a frame or glass covering. The classic tins, metal signs and luggage tags make very popular, inexpensive and unique items for gifts or treats for yourself.

Tom and Judy decided that they wanted to do their part to help preserve Bluffton’s character when they chose the design for their 2 story building on 49 Boundary Street. Tom explained that he started out as a collector himself and when he retired from his ever-so-serious corporate job he moved to Bluffton with his wife Judy and decided to turn the hobby into a business venture. Tom Lewis explained to me, with a grin, that he didn’t care all that much about making a big profit as much as he minds the possibility of losing one. So he, his wife and their partners chose to build the beautifully styled 2 story on Boundary Street, knowing that if all else failed - it would be easy enough to rent or sell; no matter what Bluffton gained an attractive building.

He also gave me a brief history of his art collecting, including a funny story about his worst mistake. He shared his and Judy’s philosophy of business as well. They like to make everyone feel comfortable about their purchases so they keep the dealer book handy. They will even help you look up the wholesale prices. If you are looking for a particular poster, they’ll track it down - although he explained that some people are not thrilled to discover the price. He helped one customer find his dream poster, and dream or not --- $150,000 was just way too much. The biggest mistake he ever made was buying a very old French magazine and then deciding to cut it up. He later found out that what he paid $59 for was worth $1500 - the French magazine cover from 1901 having to do with space travel - quite an unusual subject matter for that date.

And, if you already own a vintage piece they’ll help you find out how much it’s really worth. I bought some great luggage tags that he said are the hottest item in the shop. They were only $6.95. The art ranges from $10.95 into the thousands. My dream poster is by Alphonse Mucha called The Seasons - do you know what yours is yet?

Old Town Vintage Posters
owners: Tom & Judy Lewis
49 Boundary Street
Bluffton
843-837-3311