About Athena Art

The Home of Britain’s Most Iconic Art Prints

Athena Art is one of the most recognisable names in British wall art. For more than 60 years, Athena has been synonymous with beautifully designed posters, iconic photography and accessible, gallery-quality prints that transform everyday homes.

Founded in 1964 by Ole Christensen, Athena began as a single specialist poster shop and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. From students decorating their first flats to families styling their living rooms, Athena posters helped define the visual identity of generations. By 1979, Athena had over 20 stores across the UK and a global publishing arm exporting artwork to more than 50 countries, making it the largest art poster business of its kind in the world.

Today, Athena continues that legacy online - bringing timeless and contemporary art into modern homes with premium printing, high-quality framing and a commitment to affordability.

The Golden Age of Athena Posters

The 1970s and 1980s were Athena’s most iconic era, producing some of the most famous and best-selling posters ever seen in the UK. During this period, Athena became a defining force in British interior style, blending fine art, photography, lifestyle imagery and pop culture into a beautifully curated retail experience.

From the instantly recognisable Tennis Girl photographed by Martin Elliott, to the striking minimalism of Spencer Rowell’s L’Enfant, alongside timeless Audrey Hepburn prints and a wide range of music, film and fashion imagery, Athena posters appeared in millions of homes across the country.

These images were more than decoration - they became cultural touchstones, representing the spirit, style and creativity of their time.

Today, many original Athena posters from this era are highly sought-after collector’s pieces, while their influence continues to shape how people decorate their homes, create gallery walls and express their personal style through art.

Athena Art Today - A New Generation of Wall Art

As shopping habits changed and high streets declined, physical poster shops became harder to sustain. In 2014, Athena made the strategic decision to move fully online, allowing the brand to:

  • Offer a wider range of artwork
  • Produce prints on demand
  • Provide premium framing options
  • Deliver directly to customers
  • Keep prices affordable without high-street overheads


Today, AthenaArt.com is the official home of Athena Art online, where our full collection of prints and framed artwork is produced and shipped from our specialist workshop in Yorkshire.

Athena Art today continues its 60-year legacy of making great art affordable and accessible.

Our collections span vintage prints, travel, music & movies and modern art, all produced using premium materials and high-quality framing. With options for personalisation, custom framing and gallery walls, Athena helps customers create spaces that feel uniquely their own.

As one of the UK’s most historic art brands, Athena combines timeless design with modern craftsmanship - bringing iconic and contemporary wall art into homes across Britain and beyond.

Bestsellers

View all