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Collecting Art Prints

Collecting Art Prints

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Become a Collector in 2013

Focus on Art Prints

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Collecting Art Prints

'Art Prints' is a very general term disguising a vast range of art that you can collect as reproductions.

From the irresistible retro movie print to the exclusive collectors' edition produced by world leading artists using the most artisanal techniques such as etching, screening printing and woodblock printing, there is no better place to start your art collection.

Here our art team guide you through some of the most popular forms of printmaking and curate a collection of art prints guaranteed to inspire you to get collecting!

Screenprinting

Screen printing is one of the early methods of printing. It involves the passing of ink or any other printing medium through a mesh or 'screen' that has been stretched on a frame, and to which a stencil has been applied.

Letterpress

Letterpress is relief printing. It involves locking movable type into the bed of a press, inking it, and rolling or pressing paper against it to form an impression.

Etching

Etching is a form of printing that along with engraving comes under the category of Intaglio. Images printed by this process are the result of ink being forced out of the incised lines in a zinc or copper plate using a heavy press - this results in slightly raised ink on the paper.

Lino Cut

A relief print carved into linoleum using similar tools as for a woodcut. The smooth even texture of lino allows for a smoother finish than a woodcut which often shows its grain. Lino can be warmed to make it softer to cut into.

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What to Look Out for When starting an Art Prints Collection

- When starting your collection we recommend you use a respected website, gallery or dealer.

- Take a little time to research the artist, which is very easily done online. You will be looking out for any accolades; awards and prizes, previous or upcoming exhibitions and press attention.

- Remember, it's your choice. The art print you select and collect will be adorning your personal space so let yourself fall in love.

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- Art prints are often designed to be more affordable so don't think of it as a life and death decision, have fun and go with your gut instinct.

- Limited Editions are generally a good option, often appreciating in value before they even sell out.

- Framing is not to be forgotten; a frame not only protects your print but enhances its presentation.

- Look out for screenprints, etchings, letterpress printing, linocuts and other hand crafted and traditional techniques as these have been passed down from generation to generation, getting rarer and therefore are to be treasured. (Scroll along to see Chloe Gough's film on the etching process).