New to collecting art? A little confused by all the art print jargon? Here we’ll look at the differences of both ‘open edition’ and ‘limited edition prints’ so you can decide which suits your needs most. As art prints are more accessible than the original paintings they’re reproduced from it can be a great way to begin building your art collection.

CHOOSE LIMITED EDITION PRINTS IF…

You want a collectible & long lasting print?

PRO’S TO LIMITED EDITION:

• You want a quality print that will last a lifetime

• The original is too big for your space

• If the original painting has sold
  

Due to the scarcity of a limited edition print, as the name suggests, they are more highly sought after with collectors. Also because they are typically printed using archival inks and papers they are guaranteed to last a lifetime. All my signed limited edition landscape art prints of Cornwall are high quality glicee print with colours as fresh & vibrant as the original painting. They’re produced by dStudio a member of the Fine Art Trade Guild, using museum quality, inks and paper that are archival quality. Tests have shown colours last up to 80-100 years or more!

Limited prints are created in ‘editions’, or ‘runs’, (usually 25, 50, 100, 250, 500) and are hand signed and numbered by the artist. Each edition is set by size and any other features such as printing surface, i.e. art paper or canvas. Once that edition has sold it, it cannot be printed again in that way, hence their collectable status. A certificate of authenticity that outlines the edition size , the number of your print in the edition, and information on inks and paper also accompanies the print.

CHOOSE OPEN EDITION PRINTS IF…

You want an affordable print & have changing interior needs?

PRO’S TO OPEN EDITION:

• Artwork is accessible at the fraction of the cost of an original

• Enhance your interior and add your personality to the space

• Can be available in a range of sizes and surfaces to suit your taste & space

Open edition prints can be reproduced limitlessly in any number of variations; therefore they are priced lower than a limited edition print. Offering affordability open edition prints are a great way to get art onto your walls, and they make great gifts too.

Not all open edition prints are created equal though. It’s worth reading how and what they are printed on. My open edition landscape art prints are printed on archival paper, use archival inks and also include a certificate of authenticity.

There isn’t such as thing as a ‘better’ option with art prints. Whichever you prefer, the important thing is that you choose the option that suits your home, desire and needs best. I hope knowing the difference has helped you make a decision as you build up your own art collection.

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