The two kinds of limited edition prints

In this article we’ll discuss where the real value long term actually lies in buying new prints that are sold as “limited edition”.

It's exciting that the monetary value of vintage posters, antique prints and editions by twentieth century NZ printmakers is being increasingly recognised by the wider art market.  When rare NZ prints are being sold for tens of thousands of dollars those of us who bristle at hearing the phrase “it’s just a print” allow ourselves a tingle of satisfaction at collecting an artistic medium that had managed to remain wonderfully under-rated (ie cheap) for so long… 

Essentially the fact a print is advertised as being a "limited edition" is not necessarily an indication of its long term value because limited edition prints come in two sorts.

1. The first kind of limited edition print is a reproduction of another artwork.

2. The second kind of limited edition print is a multiple original where the print is the end result of an artistic process, there is no other “original” artwork.

Limited edition reproduction of a painting by Brian Dahlberg
A limited edition reproduction can be a copy of an antique print (for instance the series of early prints of NZ published by Avon Fine Prints in the 1960s and 1970s) or a copy of a painting (for example this image from a collection of prints by contemporary Auckland painter Brian Dahlberg).   A reproduction print can be printed offset (photolithography) or digitally (inkjet or giclee) but all are copies of another artwork.

[This writer is well aware that calling the first sort of limited editions “prints” at all is controversial (some in the industry say they should only every be called “reproductions” rather than "prints") - you can read about this debate in a previous article "Artists prints or reproduction prints, spotting the difference in the age of digital printing"].

Reproduction prints can be of astonishingly fine quality today, often printed on canvas and even in three dimensions including the frame - see the video demonstrating Canon's version of this latest technology that has not yet arrived in New Zealand...

 The price a print buyer pays is often higher for a  digital print which unless outrageously excessive  can usually be justified by the higher costs  involved compared to printing offset and the fact  the buyer is receiving a superior quality print in  return. Although the capital costs of owning  digital printers have fallen dramatically  especially given the recent strength of the NZ  dollar there will never be the same economies of  scale that you had with photolithography when  you are printing in very short runs.

 However in our view the high prices that were asked for reproduction prints printed using digital technology when the giclee revolution arrived in NZ a decade ago has led to confusion about the value of giclee reproduction prints today.

This period saw giclee reproduction prints of scenic NZ oil paintings being marketed at over a thousand dollars each, this pushed them up to the same pricepoint as editions from printmakers but in most cases without making the artists a lot of money because the cost structure to get them to market was so high.  But critically this higher cost structure created an lingering expectation that because a higher price was paid for the print it would have to have some kind of long term value, an expectation that a print buyer must be purchasing something with a value that would endure beyond the decorative appeal of the print.

This initial high pricing was the result of the following combination of factors.  The small size of the NZ market, the high cost of materials (inks and substrates), the fact there is no reduction in unit cost for multiple prints being printed at once (not economies of scale unlike photolithography), small numbers of prints being printed at once meant artists were effectively paying retail prices for their printing requirements and the fact that giclee prints were marked up galleries and other retailers by the same amount as offset reproduction prints rather than the smaller margin on what had been the previously more expensive prints, the original editions.

However the price you pay for a print is not always a good indication of its long term value.

We think that a limited edition reproduction print offers extra value for the print buyer if it is signed and numbered by the artist because there is value in knowing that your new artwork is not going to be seen everywhere (scarcity as well as decorative value).  There is also a value in the actual signature of the artist - after all people buy autographs by themselves. The most valuable reproduction print in New Zealand are the signed versions of the 1920s era print of C.F. Goldie's "A Good Joke", valuing his signature at around $1000.  For a contemporary NZ artist like Dick Frizzell his signature being added to an artwork is probably worth around $100, for example on the exhibition poster for the Blockbusters show we have for sale at the moment.

However for serious collectors a reproduction of another artwork is not going to hold its value as well as an original work of art - or in the case of prints, a multiple original.

"Scarcity and decorative value are weak factors in the secondary market when compared to an artwork with intrinsic skill and creativity that also has that magical resonance with art buyers that endures across more than one generation."

We try and make sure that in our marketing of a reproduction print that we stress the value to the buyer in the amazing quality, colour fidelity, large size and longevity of the inks offered in a modern print rather than a mysterious "collectable value".  Print buyers of previous decades would have happily paid more for a print that won't fade for decades and looks just like the original painting, but even at a higher price these are still reproduction prints, not original editions, even if both categories of prints can truthfully be called "limited editions".

61 comments:

  1. Hi, I was wondering how much are Rei Hamonds art prints dated in the 1750s-1886 are worth. They have been signed I have 3 copies of original ones. These copies/prints were signed in 1996.I have the (the pink terraces/the white terraces and mount tarawera eruption.)all in excellent condition. Please feel free to email me wilsondanniel@gmail.com if you have any answers. Thank you.

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    1. Kia ora, I think you have the dates of the prints mixed up, they all have the dates on them (when they were painted/drawn) and they were a set of 3 available and a small run in 1996. If you want a valuation, please refer to www.hamonart.com. Huia Hamon for the Hamon family Archives.

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    2. Yes I have those 3 prints #223/750

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  2. Some of the those dates don't seem quite right, as Rei Hamon was not alive to paint the Pink & White Terraces and the eruption of Mt Tarawera? His signed prints are still popular many years after publication and in good condition (not faded, trimmed or creased) are worth around $NZ50 each.

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  3. Hello, I have in my possession a beautiful Rei Harmon picture A1 size. signed Rei Harmon No.92. 1975. Then again signed underneath Rei Harmon 379/600 79. Thankyou

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  4. I asked the above question. It is a print. Is it worth anything?

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    1. Yes, although there are lots of these around these lovely very large prints in good condition are worth around $100.

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  5. I have a signed, limited edition, framed print approximately 500 mm x 400 mm (print size), that has been behind glass since purchase so in pristine condition. It was created in 1972 and is in the pointillist technique. It is the image of a creek with a tree fern as the main feature. I have owned it since 1977 when it was sold as a framed print which I bought from a gallery. I would be interested to know its value.

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  6. Hi,

    Sounds like a Rei Hamon print, nicely framed worth about $NZ100

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  7. Hi
    Was wondering who I would go to see to get a poster valued...I am based in the Hawkes Bay and would like someone in this area...but not sure who to see...any recomendations?

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    1. Hi,

      Try a local auctioneer, sellers of household goods/furniture etc. Often they have an art and/or antiques sale every few months. They will be able to see the artwork and give you an idea of what it would be worth if sold.

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  8. I have a Rai Hamon print, signed behind glass, "Huia" has 1261/2000 1980 and no 133 1980. It is 72cm by 1.00m, well framed and in great condition. What would it's value be? Thank you

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    1. These are lovely prints but as you can tell from the number there are lots of them about. Framed and in great condition you should be able to sell it for about $NZ100.

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  9. Hi I have a framed picture Motu Falls, only about 200mm by 150mm with Rei Hamons signature on it and framed by Rodger Hamon but no numbers it seems to be a print or copy of something much bigger.does it have any value?

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    1. Hamon's larger prints tended to be numbered editions of quite large quantities (up to 1500 or 2000). These are copies of an original artwork and have a decorative rather than investment value. The smaller size you have is less common and to our recollection smaller open edition (ie not limited edition) prints weren't part of the artist's range. It is possible that it is an original - intriguing that you seem to be able to tell that it is a copy of a large work though? What gives you this impression? Could be a framed book plate - ie an illustration from one of his books. If this is the case there will be text on the reverse. A good clue as to its value will be how much you paid for it, if it wasn't expensive it will definitely be a reproduction, if it was bought from his son or from his studio directly and was relatively expensive it could be an original drawing which would be worth a few hundred dollars.

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    2. Hi there, my Papa Reis prints were all done at a 600 limited edition range. (the information above in incorrect for most of them) And you will definitely get more than a few hundred dollars for an original, please contact me - huia@kog.co.nz :)

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  10. Hi, have recently been given a framed, good condition signed reproduction by Rei Hamon. It is approximately 500mm wide by 600mm high and features a pointy tree stump. As part of the print it has "Rei Hamon No. 76. 1973." and below that appears what looks to be a penciled Hamon signature "Rei Hamon 253/600 77".

    Am I right in thinking this reproduction 253 of 600 reproductions of this artwork and Hamon personally signed it in pencil in 1977?

    Could you tell me what it is approximately worth?

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    1. Hello,

      Yes, you are correct, it is a reproduction print of which only 600 were made. Signed by the artist. Many of these prints would not have survived the 40 odd years since in good condition so probably not that many around now. It is probably worth about $50.

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    2. Hi. I have an original Rei. It's the Possum. It comes with a light box and the eye's of the Possum follow you. It's freaky. any Idea of worth?. M

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  11. hi my friend has a coloured rei hamon picture ...andre ...no 140/1980 personal signature of 253/600 81 framed by spooners the picture people on back of frame and was brought from a gallery would you know value of this we have few of his pitures that were given to him by his mother and curious to there value any help appreciated warhorse@hotmail.co.nz

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    1. Framed in a good quality timeless style, print not faded at all would be worth about $NZ100.

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    2. I have an original photo of the pink and white terraces, how would I get this appraised

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  12. Hi I appreciate you answering all the "how much is my..." So, I have a Paul Hardigan original screen print from Snake Studio days. Framed and mounted but not signed. Not one I have seen in any galleries, but he did a few in those days. I would be keen to put into an auction but the fees to just get it in are a bit high in places, what is the best method of getting this to a gallery to sell? cheers

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    1. A print like this will probably be under-rated by one of the auction houses that sell mainly paintings. However both International Art Centre in Auckland and Art & Object understand prints. Even though your edition is unsigned it has a sound provenance as you purchased it directly from Snake Studio back in the day and Hartigan's studio is an important part of modern printmaking history here in NZ. You probably won't get more than two to three hundred dollars for the work, but this will still be a lot more than you paid for it!

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  13. Hi there l have a Rei Hamon print of the Orphan no 131 1979 signed with
    all info on artwork lower righthand corner 18cm x 13cm could you give me an idea of its value please regards

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    1. Hi,

      This smaller size in good condition would be worth around $NZ50

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    2. Kia ora, please can you contact me - Huia Hamon (Reis Grand daughter) at huia@kog.co.nz. The Orphan is sought after if it is a limited edition ie: .../600 numbered. Website is www.hamonart.com :)

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  14. hi, I have a limited edition print of Dunedin from belleknowes no 176 by bob hawcridge can you give me a rough value please

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    1. Hi,

      Sounds like one from either the Hocken or Alexander Turnbull Library, in good condition (not faded) and nicely framed about $NZ50

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  15. Gday,
    recently i have been given a print in looks although original frame Carte Reduite Des Terres Australes obviously French type, 726 of 1000 Avon Fine Print 1970, unfortunately a little water damage bottom right corner, Wondering does it have any value, it is a fascinating nautical piece. If not valuable would you know of any collectors or collections which would appreciate the donation???
    Cheers JR

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    1. Hi,

      We have replied to your email regarding this enquiry.

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  16. Do you have any idea on the value or Rei Hamon original paintings - bought directly from the artist himself in the 90s - the most expensive was bought for around $2000 of the wedding veil falls - have they held the value?

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    1. Original paintings should at least hold their value over time unless the artist falls out of fashion dramatically. We aren't experts in paintings, try contacting an art auction house like Art & Object, International Art Centre or Mossgreen Webbs.

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    2. Are you looking to sell one? I would consider purchasing it. email me at chameleonvoice@gmail.com please.

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    3. HI there, I am Huia Hamon, Reis grandaughter and would be interested in the originals too. Even just to know where they are :) please email me - huia@kog.co.nz. I can also provide a valuation.

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  17. Hi Anonymous > i was surprised at the $300-$400 pprice, as it was suggested by an auction house that I put it in their auction with a reserve of $1200, but i didnt have the up=front costs for the advertising costs etc etc so decided to hang on to it a bit longer. It is a stunning print and as mentioned it has provenance as well as a historic significance. It is a beatiful bit of PoP Art from the time.

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    1. Kia ora, please can you contact me - Huia Hamon (Reis Grand daughter) at huia@kog.co.nz. Anything smaller than 40 x 60cm (print size not frame size) and not numbered .../600 is mostly a small promotional sized image :) As for the original, please come and ask the family directly and we have a valuation process and I know most of the art! Website is www.hamonart.com :)

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  18. hello,i own a small lithograph 25by20cm by rei hamon.title is "cape colville"with reis signature with the year being 1969,on the back of this print in pencil are the words,"with kindest thoughts from rei hamon 27-4-91"could you give me some information on this beautiful picture

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    1. Hi,

      Nice touch to have the artist's dedication on the back. If the print is in good condition and the frame is ok these smaller prints would find a buyer at around $NZ50.

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  19. Hi there. I recently found a piece of REI hammonds work.i don't know how to tell if it's a print or original. It has his signature on the back.titled "spirts" numbered no.2 and notes about the piece which appears to be written by him.
    Who or how would I find out?

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    1. It is almost certainly a print of one of his original paintings.

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    2. Kia ora, please can you contact me - Huia Hamon (Reis Grand daughter) at huia@kog.co.nz. Anything smaller than 40 x 60cm (print size not frame size) and not numbered .../600 is mostly a small promotional sized image :) As for the original, please come and ask the family directly and we have a valuation process and I know most of the art! Exciting if it is an original though. Website is www.hamonart.com :)

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  20. Considering buying one of Rei Hammons books (Art of Rei Hammon), limited Edition 334 of 600, First edition signed, included in the offer is an limited edition print, pencil signed in one of Rei Hammons Green folders, also hand signed.

    What would these be worth; ball park.

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  21. Hi there - I have a large suitcase full of Rei Hammond Prints which we purchased back in the 90's. By the sounds of it they do not hold much value even today. I have sets of before and after the eruption- the Love Print- Hibisucus Flower which are in colour and a lot of others which are all black and white. They were part of 600 only printed. Will these ever be worth anymore than what your quoting in the future and would they be worth anymore if I was to get them framed- as framing is expensive.
    I also have an original signed by Rei Hammond with a real cobweb effect through it- not sure what it is named?? Would love some feedback please!!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Kia ora, please can you contact me Huia Hamon (Reis Grand daughter) at huia@kog.co.nz. Anything smaller than 40 x 60cm (print size not frame size) and not numbered /600 is mostly a small promotional sized image :)

      As for the original, please come and ask the family directly and we have a valuation process. www.hamonart.com :)

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  22. kia ora... Going through my mother's estate, I have come across a picture by Rei Hamon...dimensions are approx. 600mm x 450mm, in the original frame. In the bottom right hand corner, in what looks like pencil, says....Rei Hamon, No. 80. 1973. On the back is a small piece of glued on paper that says Immortal Towers in his handwriting. Any clarification of this would be appreciated

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Kia ora, please can you contact me Huia Hamon (Reis Grandaughter) at huia@kog.co.nz. Anything smaller than 40 x 60cm (print size not frame size) and not numbered /600 is mostly a small promotional sized image :)

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  23. Hi I have a print of the motu falls it has Rai Ham on 1973 no 71 with "MOTU FALLS" underneath I'm not sure did it original or a print may be a print how much is this worth thankyou very much

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    1. Kia ora, please feel free to email at the Hamon family archives - Huia Hamon, huia@kog.co.nz

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  24. Please contact Huia Hamon (Reis Grandaughter) at huia@kog.co.nz if you would like to find out more about this artwork.

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  25. Hi there I have resently acquired a print of a bee does anyone know anything about c. C jaffe it was made in 1983

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  26. Hi there I resently acquired a print of a buzzy bee done in 1983 by c. C jaffe does anyone know anything about it

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  27. Hello, I have an original piece from Rei Hamon (not a print) signed and date 25-7-91. It is a very simple drawing of a leaf. Just wondering about a value?

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    1. Please contact Huia Hamon (Reis Grandaughter) at huia@kog.co.nz if you would like to find out more about this artwork.

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  28. Hello, I have an original piece from Rei Hamon (not a print) signed and date 25-7-91. It is a very simple drawing of a leaf. Just wondering about a value?

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  29. No 85 who has one

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  30. Hi,

    Would you be able to give me some idea of the value of this listing?

    https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=2678209164

    I like it, but have no idea at all of what it could be worth... Seller says its a reproduction from the 1970s... Any information you could give me would be useful.

    Thanks,
    Gareth

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  31. hi there, please contact me for any info about Rei Hamon - huia@kog.co.nz :)

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  32. Hello, I have a set of 12 Reproductions of Early New Zealand Watercolours from the Alexander Turnbull Library, 1973 in good condition. Does anyone know what they might be worth? With thanks

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    1. Hi, These were lovely prints back in the day but the value of reproductions of original paintings/artworks like these have a decorative rather than an investment value. Because the historical prints never date the early views of NZ towns and cities are usually pretty popular on eg Trademe or Facebook marketplace. Given their age and the quality of prints of fifty years ago your prints would probably sell for around $20 each.

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