How to Spot the Most Valuable Prints

Learn how to identify the most valuable art prints with expert tips from Hidden Gallery. Whether you're an experienced art collector or a first-time buyer, understanding key factors like edition size, signatures, iconic imagery and condition is crucial for making informed decisions. Read on to discover how to spot the rarest and most valuable prints to enhance your collection.
1. Edition Size: Choose artworks from small editions

Why? Typically, the smaller the size of an edition, the more rare (and therefore desirable) it will be.

The artworks in Hidden's collection are each in high demand. When factoring in the age of many pieces in our collection - with some dating back over a century - it is often difficult to find impressions from an edition in good condition.

Some works from an edition may also be held in public collections such as the Metropolitan Museum or the Tate, making them unavailable for purchase. Hunting for available impressions can be very tricky and is all the more difficult when the edition size is low.

Top Tip - There is a misconception that the impression number (e.g., ‘1/100’) of a print within an edition will affect its value. This is not strictly true, and the first impression from an edition won’t command a higher price than any other.
2. Signatures: Buy signed prints

Why? Artworks with a signature tend to fetch higher prices and will often be more desirable for collectors seeking an investment.

Signed works can be considered to have a closer connection to the artist because a signature is an explicit indicator that they have directly handled the artwork. Over time, the value of these works will appreciate more quickly than an unsigned piece.

Top Tip - It is often the case that hand-signed works will stay in private collections for longer periods of time. Their appearance at auction can be more infrequent, adding to their rarity.
3. Iconic Imagery: Purchase Something Timeless

Why? Due to their broad appeal and notoriety, an artist's most iconic imagery will have a dedicated, ready-made international market when it comes to finding a future buyer.

We would recommend a Hockney swimming pool, a striped Egyptian palette Riley or a Warhol soup can.

Looking for a specific image or edition? Email us at hello@hiddengallery.co.uk and we'll be more than happy to source your piece.
4. Condition: Only acquire works in excellent condition

Why? Even an image with minor fading, warping or folding will struggle to find a future buyer. It is essential to discern the condition of a print before committing to a purchase to make sure that it is nothing short of excellent - especially when buying artworks online.

It is not uncommon for previous owners of a print to have trimmed its margins just to fit their own preferred frame. This alteration, no matter how minor, will reduce an artwork’s value significantly. Without expert advice, spotting that a couple of millimetres have been shaved off a sheet can easily go unnoticed.

Purchasing a print through a trusted authority such as Hidden can help you avoid such pitfalls, preventing an irreparable draining of your bank account! We even go the extra mile, framing our artworks in-house using conservation-standard materials and 99% UV-resistant glass—a service included in the price of each artwork.
Browse Our Collection Today

Explore our limited-edition prints from world-renowned artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Emin, and many more. With Hidden's expert guidance, you can confidently adorn your walls with stunning slices of art history.