How original is it anyway?

This question isn’t as simple as it looks. I’ve seen pictures advertised as ‘original prints’ and photocopies or photographs advertised as fine art print.

An ‘original’ is the first and only rendition of a painting. It isn’t a reproduction and is more expensive than a print.

But what does this really mean? In short a fine art print is a very high quality print – of the same quality that a museum would use. The quality and weight of the paper is as important as the archival ink. It would normally have a certificate of authenticity and would cost over the 20e mark to say the least.

A print, could be scanned and printed at your general printers. Is less expensive, feels lighter, ink isn’t as highly pigmented.

A print from your photocopier at home is not a print, it’s a photocopy. Photocopies or photos of artwork should definitely cost less than a fine art print.

Always keep an open mind. Don’t buy the ‘original’ label at first glance.