What “reproduction print” means, and what it does not

Some of what we sell reproduces well-known paintings — the sort of poster you would find in a museum gift shop. It matters that this is described accurately, so here is the language we use and what each term means.

Open-edition reproduction print

A print of an existing artwork, produced in unlimited quantity. There is no edition number, no signature, and no certificate. This is what we sell, and we say so on the listing where it applies.

What it is not

• Not an original. No paint, no artist’s hand, no unique object.
• Not a limited or signed edition. Those are numbered, usually signed, and priced accordingly.
• Not a licensed museum edition. A licensed edition is produced under agreement with the rights holder or estate. We make no such claim.

Why the artist’s name sometimes appears

Many reproduction posters carry the artist’s name printed on the face, as part of the design. Where that is the case, we name the artist in the listing too. Hiding it while the photograph clearly shows it would be the misleading choice, not the careful one.

We only stock reproductions of work that is long out of copyright. We do not stock work by living artists without a licence, and we do not describe any print as authorised, certified or investment-grade.

What this means for you

You are buying a decorative print at a decorative print’s price. It will look good on a wall and it will not appreciate in value. If somebody offers you an “investment-grade” poster, that is the point to walk away.