How Do I Find Out How Much a Print is Worth?

When determining the value of a print, it is important to first understand what constitutes a print and the different types of these works. A print is an image which has been created on one surface to be transferred to another, through a repeatable process resulting in multiple copies or impressions.

^{David Hockney (b.1937), Home - From 'Six Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm'}

^{Sold for £9,500}

There are two types of print; an original print refers to a work that an artist has created using printmaking techniques, whereas a reproduction is simply a copy of an original work which can be produced by anyone and predominantly has nothing to do with the original artist. As such, an original print will hold far more value than a reproduction as it is created by a highly skilled technician/artist.

The techniques that these printmakers utilise can be broken down into the following four categories:

1. Relief – woodcut/woodblock and linocut.
2. Intaglio (reverse relief) – engraving, etching, aquatint, drypoint and mezzotint.
3. Planographic – screenprint (silkscreen printing) and lithograph.
4. Digital – a relatively new technique which relies on technology.

Furthermore, a monoprint is a work that is created using any combination of the above-mentioned methods together with painting or drawing to produce a unique result. An original photograph can also be considered a print.

Together with the type of print, key factors that influence the worth are the artist and their reputation, the scarcity (proofs), edition or number of copies produced (small print run will be more valuable than mass produced), signed and/or numbered, the age and condition (prints are prone to water stains, tearing and fading, all of which can devalue a work), as well as the style/subject matter, paper and size (larger examples require elaborate techniques and are more difficult to create).

^{Laurence Stephen Lowry (1887-1976) British, 'The Three Cats, Alstow'}

^{Sold for £6,400}

Popular artists include L.S Lowry, David Hockney, Picasso, Rembrandt, Albrecht Dürer, Toulouse-Lautrec, Remington, Renoir, and many more.

The current market demand will significantly influence the worth of a print, therefore consulting with an experienced expert to have your work/s assessed would be prudent. Here at Dawsons, our Head of Pictures, Veronique Scorer, would be delighted to provide an accurate appraisal and sound sales advice in respect of any prints you may be considering selling.

^{Ben Nicholson O.M. (1894-1982), 'Five Circles'}

^{Sold for £3,300}

Veronique has worked within the pictures sector for nearly 30 years, starting out at Sotheby’s and latterly as a Director and Head of Pictures at Bonhams Knightsbridge, she brings a great wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Dawsons team.

“You can’t beat the feeling of achieving a spectacular sale result for a vendor. Achieving the highest price for our client(s) is the sole aim of the entire team at Dawsons, from an accurate market valuation, to consigning for sale, to researching thoroughly, to cataloguing, to our in-house marketing team ensuring the widest possible global audience has a chance to bid... it is all about that sale price on auction day!” -  Veronique Scorer

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Are you thinking of selling any potentially valuable prints?

With a global audience of over 10 million known bidders, Dawsons can secure the best price for you.

Get in touch with an expert Valuer for confidential sales advice, we would be delighted to help:

0207 431 9445 / info@dawsonsauctions.co.uk