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What does ‘Limited Edition’ mean? |
Limited Edition means that no other print has been, is being, or will ever be made from the whole, or any part of the original work or image. The prints in the edition can be of any size or on any substrate provided the overall number of the edition is not exceeded. The edition does not need to be produced as a continuous run. The image can be reproduced in books, on greetings cards, postcards and in publicity material but this is generally to promote the artists work. |
How are the prints created? |
The prints are created using the giclée (pronounced Jee Clay) method.
Giclée comes from the French word gicler meaning to squirt and refers to the process of squirting fine droplets of ink onto archival paper.
There are two parts to the process, firstly to professionally capture the image digitally and save to a computer file. Secondly the printer will carefully colour match and balance this image with the original and then print onto a digital wide format printer using lightfast inks and archival acid free substrates. This method ensures complete consistency so that the first print and the last print are to exactly the same standard. The process is believed to be the closest match to the original that is technically possible and is used in galleries and museums. Previously Limited Edtions were created using the offset lithograph method. This is a mechanical process using plates that are covered in ink which are then pressed against paper. This means that there is some inconsistency between each print especially as the plate begins to wear. This process is ideal when printing high volume but has its draw backs when used for high quality work. The Fine Art Trade Guild supports giclée prints and they are incorporated into the Guild Standards. |
What does ‘printed to Fine Art Trade Guild standards’ mean? |
Formed in 1910, the Fine Art Trade Guild is the successor to the Printsellers' association, which had been set up in 1847 to preserve the integrity of the limited edition print against unscrupulous traders.
The Guild is the trade association for the whole of the art and framing industry in the UK and Ireland. It represents print publishers, printers, materials and equipment manufacturers and suppliers, finished picture suppliers, galleries, contract and bespoke framers, artists and agents. The Fine Art Trade Guild has developed policies covering every aspect of industry activity. In its mission to promote, develop and inform, it sets and maintains standards for the benefit of both members and their customers. Printing to Fine Art Trade Guild standards means the print meets the following requirements:- • That the lightfastness of finished print results of 6 or more on the Blue Wool Scale in all areas of the print - or its equivalent under empirical test conditions. • Guild standard pH for substrate of 7-10. • Minimum weight of substrate of 250gsm. No print should claim to meet the Guild Print Standards unless the producer has had a print tested by a UKAS approved laboratory during the previous 12 months, and that they are using an identical print method, materials and equipment to the print that has passed . A Picture of Norfolk’s prints are produced by UISart Ltd a member of the Fine Art Trade Guild. |
Are all the prints signed? |
All prints are supplied with a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist, the printer and the publisher which confirms the size of the edition and the number within that edition.
It also gives details regarding the substrate medium, the method of printing and the size of the print.
Historically, when limited edition prints where produced using the offset lithography method, prints were been signed by the artist to confirm that each print was of the required quality. Using the giclée method the quality is assured throughout the edition, so the artist need only sign the proof which is then retained by the printer. The prints themselves are individually numbered and signed by A Picture of Norfolk Ltd. |
Why does it take 14/21 days to deliver? |
Each print is a bespoke print created especially for you. This means it will take time to arrange for the print to be produced, finished and delivered. In the case of stretched canvas, finishing means applying three coats of varnish and then stretching around wooden bars. |
What happens if I don’t like the print once I receive it? |
You have up to one month to return the print to A Picture of Norfolk in the condition it was received to receive a refund. For further details click here |
I am an artist and am interested in A Picture of Norfolk featuring my work? |
If you are an artist and would be interested in A Picture of Norfolk publishing your work please email a sample of your work to artists@apictureofnorfolk.com |
Images on this website may not be reproduced in any form without permission.