I was over at the Silver Age of Comic Books blog reading Pat’s latest post about Dick Sprang, and couldn’t help but think about once of my favorite pieces of Batman memorabilia that really captures the essence of the Golden Age Batman from the mid-1940’s through the mid-1950’s.
In 1995, Sprang created a large format (27″ by 35″) lithograph, “The Secrets of the Batcave”. This numbered print was sold by Gotham Graphics and limited to 500, and is an incredibly detailed depiction of the Batcave and its many secrets. I did not get one of these in 1995, but was able to find one at a bargain at the end of 2008. Once I get it framed, it will have a special place in my own “batcave”.
"Secrets of the Batcave" by Dick Sprang (1995)
Dick Sprang autograph from "Secrets of the Batcave" lithograph
"Guardians of Gotham" by Dick Sprang (1996)
Sprang did a second Golden Age Batman and Robin lithograph in 1996, “Guardians of Gotham”. This is also a beautiful piece of Batman memorabilia and can be found on eBay and other auction sites. “Secrets of the Batcave” is still my favorite, but either of these would make a great addition to the collections of any fan of the Golden Age Batman and Dick Sprang.
I’ve got Guardians hanging on the wall about six feet to the left of my desk. Someday I hope to get the Batcave one as well, but as you have probably discovered the actual lithograph can be inexpensive compared to getting it framed. It’s my recollection that the actual litho ran me $125 and the framing and matting was $250 or so. Still a beautiful item, much remarked on by my visitors.
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Wow – those posters are AMAZING! The Dick Sprang style was both kid friendly and horrific, and I’d forgotten how good it was!
Hi I have the Guardians of Gotham print however my print is signed by Dick Sprang but has a unique number on the left side of the print PP 4/10 can anyone let me know the value of the print I do know that it is a Printers Print and that only ten of these exist
Thanks