The print market is thriving, and The London Art Exchange's executive team boasts decades of collective experience in identifying the rare gems that represent the best investment opportunities.
Many people mistakenly believe that prints are cheap reproductions of genuine artworks like paintings or photographs, but this is far from accurate. While some prints can be affordable copies of other artworks, most are original works of art that have never been produced in any other form.
With a turnover of $95.5M in the past eight years and the average sold price at auction rising dramatically in 2022 – up by 31% compared to 2021 – here's a list of essential factors to consider in the print market.
1. Look for The Edition Number/Size of The Print Run and Invest in Early
Always consider the number of prints in an edition, as it can impact the value of a print. If a print is part of a smaller edition, it will likely be more valuable.
Investing early can also yield significant returns. Limited-edition art is sold on a tiered pricing basis, meaning that the cost of an artwork increases as the edition gets closer to selling out. Mia Levine, Senior Advisor at The London Art Exchange, emphasizes, "This is critical when investing in D-wizz. The earliest investors who acquired their artworks first have achieved higher returns sooner."
2. Seek Out Signatures, Stamps, And Co-Signatures
When considering whether to invest in a print, it's crucial to determine if an artist typically signs their work. A signature is the artist's way of affirming that a piece is complete, leaving their personal mark of authenticity. However, signatures are not always essential, as some artists, such as Christopher Wood and Stanley Spencer, never signed their work. Therefore, being vigilant and learning about the artists before purchasing is important.
Sometimes, a signature can significantly increase the value of a print, especially if a famous figure adds their signature. For instance, Andy Warhol's prints of British rock star Mick Jagger, where both sitter and artist sign every print, are highly sought after and have a strong track record at auctions.
3. Get to Know an Artist's Signature Iconography
If a print features an artist's distinctive iconography or highly recognizable images, it will likely be more valuable. For example, Banksy's "Girl with Balloon" is a highly coveted print known for its distinctive and recognizable style. Understanding an artist's unique iconography can aid in identifying valuable prints.
4. Hunt for The Rare Jewels
Limited-edition prints are limited to a predetermined number of prints, and smaller editions are considered more valuable. Some collectors focus on a lesser-known treasure, the Artist's Proof (A/P), the first print to come off the plate. Artists' proofs are more exclusive and usually of greater value than regular prints, comprising just 10% of the print run. Printer's Proofs (P/P), given to the printer as a gift, are even rarer and highly valuable.
5. Examine the Condition of a Print
The condition of a print affects its value and collectability, just like any other artwork. The fragility of works on paper makes them susceptible to damage from sunlight, dust, humidity, and other elements that can impair paper and colour pigments.
New prints from the artist's studio are in mint condition, while older prints may have some damage due to aging, such as yellowing of the paper. However, major signs of damage like creasing, tearing, or fading significantly lower a print's value. Collectors should carefully examine the condition of a print before making a purchase to ensure its value and longevity.
