When it comes time to purchase artwork, a limited edition print may be something you want to consider.
What is a limited edition print?
A limited edition print is one where only so many copies are printed and then the plates are destroyed. There are no more produced…ever. You can tell a limited edition piece by the numbering system used. You should see two numbers, arranged like a fraction, on the piece. The top number is the copy that you have and the bottom number is the total amount of pieces printed. You will also see two signatures from the artist. One is the signature that appeared on the original artwork and this will be part of the printed piece. The other is an original signature that was put directly onto the piece, by the artist, after it was printed.
How do I get a limited edition print?
According to Kat Taylor of Kat’s Gallery in Jackson’s Point, you can purchase a limited edition print from the issuer/publisher or from a reputable dealer. The first time a limited edition is sold it will be from the publisher to the buyer and this can be direct or through a retailer like Kat’s Gallery. For this transaction, the purchaser will pay the “issue price”. After all of the editions have been sold by the publisher it’s a free market for resale. This is called the secondary market. “If a customer is looking for a specific limited edition print and the publisher is sold out, then I have to find the print elsewhere and the price for that print will now be what the market dictates,” says Kat Taylor. It can be higher, or even lower, than the original issue price depending on demand.
Should I buy a limited edition print as an investment?
“You should always buy art that you love,” advises Kat. “The limited edition market has changed over the years with publishers printing longer and longer runs. That affects the value of the piece for resale so limited editions are not the investment they once were.”
If you are in the market for artwork, it’s always best to deal with a trusted source. For over 20 years, the knowledgeable staff at Kat’s Gallery has been helping their customers find the perfect piece of artwork for their home and within their budget. Visit them at www.katsgallery.com.