The enchanting world of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show is the subject of a new exhibit opening to the public on Saturday, May 18 at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
“Promoting the Frontier Myth: Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Poster Art” will be on display in the Ann & Charles Duncan Special Exhibition Gallery. The immersive showcase offers a glimpse into the promotional genius of William F. Cody and his legendary Wild West His Company.
On display are posters from the Jack Rennert Collection acquired through the families of Naoma J. Tate and Hal R. Tate, as well as posters selected from the Center's own extensive holdings. Includes over 30 large vintage his posters and original photographs, along with engaging interactive features.
The Buffalo Bills Wild West remains iconic not only for its namesake, but also for its unparalleled marketing success. Cody's marketing team, led by Major “Arizona John” Burke, produced numerous posters that emphasized the grandeur and drama of the spectacle.
The show's guest curator is Michelle Delaney of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, who also serves as the center's associate editor for the William F. Cody Archives. She is the author of “Buffalo Bills Wild West Art and Advertising.”
Delaney's insights guided the exhibition, which delves into the cultural legacy, myth-making, and global impact of Cody's Wild West phenomenon. We will also explore the dynamic intersection of art and advertising.
“You'll learn a lot about the history of the Wild West, the posters that convey its diversity, and the various performers,” Delaney said.
Exhibits include larger-than-life color posters of Buffalo Bill Cody, Annie Oakley, Johnny Baker, Native Americans, American cowboys, South American vaqueros, the World Rough Riders Congress, and more. From expert riders on horseback to dramatic reenactments of the history of the American West, these captivating images formed a lasting impression of the spectacle of the Wild West.
The posters offer a glimpse into how Cody pioneered modern marketing techniques and influenced perceptions of the American West in the early 20th century, reflecting the myths and stereotypes of the era. Printed over a century ago and of a delicate nature, these rare Wild West posters offer a unique opportunity to witness history firsthand and understand the challenges of preserving such fragile works of art. Masu.
In addition to the main exhibit, companion exhibits at the center's Cody Firearms Museum and McCracken Research Library feature artifacts and photographs used by Western actors.
For members, the center will hold a private viewing on May 17 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The exhibition will run through October 24 and is supported in part by funding from the Wyoming Humanities.
