Ruth Handler, a co-founder of Mattel, took note of her daughter’s love for paper dolls and dressing them, and observed that she often played out make believe story lines for the dolls as if they were adults. As most dolls at this time were baby dolls or small children, Ruth felt there was a gap in the market for dolls that were adults. So with the inspiration from a German doll named Bild Lilli, Barbie was born. 

Discover beautiful vintage patent prints that helped shape the technology, design, music and gaming industries.

From IBM's vacuum tube computers to Nintendo's first cartridge based gaming consoles.

We have designed beautiful bespoke prints based on some of the keystone inventions of our generation from companies such as Apple, Google, Amazon, Sony, AirBnB and more.

Each patent has been designed and printed using HDR ink-jet technology on Ultra Premium Luster Photo Paper with a basis weight of 180 gsm.

To get your own custom patent print, just click on your favourite design, choose the options that you want and complete the purchase with our simple checkout process. We also have fast worldwide shipping.

Order now so you can hang your favourite classic inventions as beautiful contemporary art on your walls. Nostalgia has never looked so good.

Whether its for your studio, grand foyer, or music room, Retro Patents art prints and posters help communicate your love for music accurately with incredible music prints for instruments and music technology.

We have designed beautiful and unique patent prints based on some of the keystone inventions of our generation from companies such as Apple, Google, Amazon, Sony, AirBnB, Uber, Stripe, Paypal, Microsoft and companies of the past.

We love gaming, and gaming wall art. We showcase patent prints for some of the best gaming break throughs in history from innovations such as the Nintendo Entertainment System, Gameboy, Playstation, Xbox, Tamagotchi and others.