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A Seller's Guide To David Shrigley

Essie King
written by Essie King,
Last updated3 Dec 2024
A print of David Shrigley’s Untitled (It’s Ok). A white-bordered pink painting with the phrase “it’s ok” in the middle of the painting, inside of a solid white circle.Untitled (It's Ok) © David Shrigley 2014
Leah Mentzis

Leah Mentzis, Partnerships Managerleah@myartbroker.com

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David Shrigley’s brightly animated aesthetics leave viewers with feelings of ease and playfulness, a welcomed contrast to the sometimes pretentious undertone of the market. As interest in his work has increased, there has been a growing need for guidance on how to sell Shrigley prints.

We’ve curated professional insights to help investors answer, “How can I sell my David Shrigley prints?”

Looking to purchase Shrigley prints? Read our Buyer’s Guide to David Shrigley here.

David Shrigley’s My Rampage Is Over. Large side view of a blue elephant sitting down, slightly slumped forward. Above the elephant is a purple coloured text that reads “I must rest” and below the elephant is a purple coloured text that reads “my rampage is over”. My Rampage Is Over © David Shrigley 2019

How Much Do David Shrigley Prints Sell For?

Shrigley’s prints range from just hundreds of dollars up to over $45,000.

The price of Shrigley's prints can vary widely depending on factors such as the rarity, edition size, condition, and provenance of the print, as well as current market demand. Usually, smaller, open edition prints may be purchased for a few hundred dollars, while larger, limited edition prints can sell for several thousand dollars or more.

Shrigley’s Untitled (It's Ok) sold for 635% above its high estimate, totalling $44,100 for the pink piece of positivity. Though it started at a bid of $5,000, Sorry! was ultimately sold for $13,750. While you can expect changes in the marketplace, it’s important to note a pattern of Shrigley prints often selling above their estimates- a pleasant indicator for prospective sellers.

“I don't think I've ever made any conscious decision to be a comic artist, but to me there's something quite anarchic about comedy.”
David Shrigley
A print of David Shrigley’s Sorry! A pink infant looking figure with its hands extended out. There is an arrow in the middle of the figure’s head with a small amount of blood dripping. Above the figure reads the text “Sorry!”Sorry! © David Shrigley 2012
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How Do You Authenticate a David Shrigley Print?

Authenticating a Shrigley print, or any art print, involves verifying that it is a genuine work by the artist and not a reproduction or forgery. Here are some methods for authenticating your Shrigley print.

Provenance

The provenance of a print refers to its ownership history and can provide clues about its authenticity. Look for documentation, such as invoices, receipts, or certificates of authenticity, that trace the print's ownership back to the artist or a reputable dealer.

Signature

More often than not, prints are signed and numbered by the artist, usually in pencil, on the bottom margin or verso of the print. Check the signature against known examples of the artist's signature to ensure that it matches in style and placement.

Catalogue Raisonné

A catalogue raisonné is a comprehensive listing of an artist's entire body of work. You can refer to this to verify whether the print in question is included in the artist's official catalogue.

Ask an Expert

If you are unsure about the authenticity of a Shrigley print, you can seek the opinion of an expert in the field, such as a reputable art broker. They can examine the print and conduct an extensive process to help you validate authenticity.

David Shrigley’s Untitled print. A large green apple taking up most of the image with underline text that reads “watch it rot” underneath the apple Image © / Mutual Art / Untitled David Shrigley 2012

Has Your David Shrigley Print Been Kept In Good Condition?

Maintaining your Shrigley prints the right way won’t only protect your investment, but ensure it’s in the best possible condition to secure a successful sale in your favour.

Handling

Handling your prints wearing gloves is preferred and recommended to avoid transferring any dirt, oil, or other substances. Hold them by the edges or use the support of a matboard to avoid touching the surface.

Storage

It’s best to store your prints in a cool, dry, and dark place to avoid damage from the elements like light and humidity. Use acid-free and archival-quality folders or sleeves made of materials like polyester, polypropylene, or paper to protect the prints from dust, insects, and other pollutants. Storing your prints flat will help prevent any creases, and you can use protective tubes for larger prints.

Framing

If you want to display your prints, have them professionally framed using acid-free and archival-quality materials, such as mat board and UV-protective glass or plexiglass. Choose a frame that complements the artwork but does not overpower it. Hang framed prints away from direct sunlight or sources of heat, moisture, or humidity.

Cleaning

If your prints get a little dusty, use a soft-bristled brush or a clean, lint-free cloth to gently remove any debris or particles. Avoid use of any water or cleaning solutions, as they can damage the print. If you're unsure how to clean your print safely, seek professional advice.

Learn more about caring for modern and contemporary prints in our guide.

David Shrigley’s Untitled (Don’t Blame The Idiots) print. An image with large text that reads “don’t blame the idiots blame the non-idiots. It has a black border with exaggerated corners at the perimeter. Image © / Mutual Art / Untitled (Don’t Blame The Idiots) David Shrigley 2019

When Is the Best Time to Sell My David Shrigley Print?

The best time to sell your Shrigley prints depends on various factors such as the current demand for the artist's work, the condition and rarity of the print, and the state of the overall art market.

If there's currently high demand for the artist’s work, it may be a good time to sell. Conversely, if there is a slump in the market, it may be best to hold onto the print until performance improves. A good way to keep track of this is maintaining a general knowledge of Shrigley’s auction sales.

You can read our Contemporary Print Market Report to discover more insights about top-performing artists and future predictions.

“Sometimes commercial galleries ask for particular work to sell, but I try not to be bossed around by them. I didn't become an artist to get bossed around.”
David Shrigley

Where Can I Sell My David Shrigley Print?

Selling A David Shrigley Via Auction House

Considerations should include the auction house's expertise in contemporary art, their reach and reputation within the art market, and their track record of successful sales of similar artworks.

After you choose an auction house, your piece will undergo a rigorous vetting process to ensure its authenticity. You’ll then be provided a pre-sale estimate, based on the artwork's market value and previous sales records. It’s important to remember that auction houses will charge a commission fee, typically ranging from 10-25% of the final sale price, for their services.

You can learn more about selling your work through auction in our guide.

Selling A David Shrigley Via a Broker

For sellers who desire a more private and personalised approach to the sales process, selling your Shrigley prints through a broker can be an excellent option to explore.

After requesting a valuation, a broker will reach out to you, identify your goals and help you determine pricing. Once you’re ready to sell, your broker will get to work on marketing your prints and sourcing international buyers. As soon as you find a worthy offer, we’ll process the transaction without you having to lift a finger.

Using a broker can offer several benefits, including a higher level of privacy, a more personalised sales approach, and the potential for a higher sale price.

Learn more about selling your contemporary art prints through a brokerage.

Selling A David Shrigley Via Online Marketplace

Online marketplaces now offer sellers a more accessible option, providing access to a wide range of potential buyers from around the world. Platforms like Artsy, Saatchi Art, and Artspace offer a platform for sellers to showcase their artworks and connect with potential buyers directly.

You can learn more about selling your art online here.

Graphic of MyArtBroker’s My Portfolio platform. A smartphone displaying market data on the contemporary print market. MyPortfolio © MyArtBroker 2023

Why Sell Your David Shrigley With MyArtBroker?

A Dedicated Broker

MyArtBroker delivers a unique service that connects you with your own personal broker who will guide you through a secure transaction. Your broker will assist you with authenticity and provide advice on realistic sale prices, determine the optimal time to sell, and negotiate the best deals on your behalf from start to finish.

Meet our team of dedicated brokers.

Minimise Risk

MyArtBroker provides an unmatched level of transparency and security when it comes to art sales. We perform rigorous due diligence to authenticate and verify the provenance of the artwork, helping to mitigate the risk of buying or selling a fake or stolen piece of art.

0% Seller’s Fees, 100% of the Time

Our team of specialists provide bespoke services to source rare or special edition prints for every investor. As a standard part of our practice, we offer free valuations and 0% seller's fees.

Our Network

Our Trading Floor is a highly valuable and sought-after platform that has revolutionised the way art investors and enthusiasts buy and sell artwork. Providing real time market data, its value lies in its convenience, accessibility, and the level of transparency and security it provides to over tens of thousands of users.

David Shrigley Collection Management with MyPortfolio

MyPortfolio empowers collectors to create and manage their complete collection of prints and editions, enabling them to monitor the appreciation of individual pieces and the overall value of their collection.

By adding David Shrigley prints from our website to their MyPortfolio dashboard, users can get a glimpse into unique sale opportunities and observe market performance in real time, creating an effortless sales process. Our pioneering technology has revolutionised art portfolio management, making it more accessible than ever and equipping users with the data-driven insights and expertise necessary to make informed decisions.

MyArtBroker leverages two key assets to deliver an exceptional experience: cutting-edge technology that's driven by data, and a team of industry experts. Our skilled professionals work closely with you, and with the aid of a MyPortfolio dashboard, to provide personalised guidance that helps you create a profitable art collection. By combining our technology and resources, we're committed to delivering an unparalleled level of curation and customer service.

Read our cohesive report to navigate the art market as a seller: A Guide to Selling Prints in the Current Market.

Leah Mentzis

Leah Mentzis, Partnerships Managerleah@myartbroker.com

Interested in buying or selling
David Shrigley?

Get a valuation