A Is For Alphabet © Peter Blake 1991
Peter Blake
60 works
Key Takeaways
Peter Blake's prints have demonstrated consistent market strength, with individual works typically fetching between £1,000 and £20,000. His most iconic works, such as those featuring The Beatles, can command even higher prices. In 2012, a complete portfolio of Blake's 'Alphabet' series achieved a record £19,000 at auction. Authentication of Blake's prints requires meticulous examination of paper quality, printing technique, and provenance, with reference to records from galleries and publishing houses such as CCA Galleries Limited and Coriander Studios. Given Blake's penchant for vibrant colours and varied printing methods, condition assessment is crucial to determining a print's value. Strategic timing, such as selling during major retrospectives or when interest in British Pop Art surges, can optimise returns for sellers.
Peter Blake is hailed as the Godfather of British Pop Art because of his distinctive blend of popular culture, nostalgia, and fine art techniques. Blake's prints often feature his signature use of bold colours, collage-like compositions, and iconic imagery, making them instantly recognisable and highly collectable. This guide aims to navigate the market for Blake's prints, offering insights into valuation, authentication, and selling strategies for those looking to part with their pieces.
Blake's artistic vision was shaped by his experiences growing up in post-war Britain and his immersion in the burgeoning pop culture of the 1950s and 60s. He drew inspiration from a wide array of sources, including vintage postcards, advertisements, comic books, and popular music. This eclectic approach is reflected in his printmaking, which encompasses various techniques such as screenprinting, etching, and woodcut.
Throughout his career, Blake has collaborated with numerous printmaking studios and publishers, including Coriander Studio in Middlesex and Paragon Press. These partnerships have resulted in some of his most sought-after print series, including his Alphabet and Wrestlers collections.
How Much Do Peter Blake Prints Sell For?
Peter Blake is a key figure in British Pop Art; as such, the market for his work reflects his enduring popularity and influence. Individual prints from Blake's popular series typically fetch between £1,000 and £12,000, depending on their significance and edition size, but complete collections of print series perform best. For instance, in 2012, three complete collections of Blake’s Alphabet series (1991) sold for between £14,000 and £19,000, achieving at least 65% more than their high estimate each time.
Prints featuring or connected to musical icons, particularly The Beatles, tend to command higher prices due to their cultural significance and Blake's association with the band's album artwork. For example, prints of Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (2007) regularly appear and sell well at auction - in 2021, a print sold for £11,000, over double its high estimate.
Other popular print collections include The London Suite (2012), from which a portfolio of 10 prints sold for £12,000 in 2022. The relevance of the subject to Blake’s status as a British Pop Artist continually proves to be a hugely influential factor in determining a print’s desirability and value. Factors such as edition size have less influence, with most print editions comprising around 100. Larger runs, such as Homage To Schwitters (2005), an edition of 175, perform equally well at auction, perhaps thanks to the gold and silver leaf embellishments. Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (2007) is an edition of 500, making it one of Blake’s most available prints; yet the supply still does not exceed the demand for this print.
Blake's more recent limited edition prints, often produced in larger numbers, are generally more affordable, with prices starting from around £1,000 for signed editions. However, even these more accessible works have shown significant appreciation over time, particularly those that showcase Blake's distinctive style and popular cultural references.
How Do You Authenticate a Peter Blake Print?
Authenticating your Blake print is essential for unlocking its true value when you come to sell, but the process involves expert analysis that will need to come from a professional. You should, however, begin by establishing the print’s provenance, which means tracing its history of ownership and exhibition. Any documentation, such as certificates of authenticity, gallery receipts, or correspondence with the artist or his studio, can be invaluable in establishing legitimacy.
Technical analysis may also be necessary if provenance is thin. This can involve examining the paper quality, ink composition, and printing technique used. Blake has worked with various high-quality papers, such as Wove Paper and Hahnemühle, and archival inks throughout his career, and understanding the characteristics of these materials is essential. The printing process itself, whether screenprint, etching, or another method, should be consistent with Blake's known practices for the period in which the print was produced.
There is currently no catalogue raisonné for Blake’s work, which means authenticating your print against verified records involves contacting particular publishing houses, print studios, and galleries. CCA Galleries Limited has been collaborating with Blake since 2003, taking a significant role in producing and promoting his artwork. Their records with therefore be able to help. Similarly, galleries such as Waddington Custot will maintain records of all works exhibited. Each of these collaborations has its own characteristics in terms of paper, technique, and style, which can also be crucial in the authentication process. Understanding these nuances and the evolution of Blake's printmaking practice over time is essential for accurate authentication and valuation.
Edition and Signature
Blake’s method of signing and numbering his prints is helpfully uniform and consistent. Generally, his full name appears in legible handwriting, in pencil, in the bottom right corner of the print; on the bottom left is the edition number, written as a fraction. As Blake’s edition sizes vary, it’s important to check the number on your print against the expected edition size. Artist's proofs, often marked 'A.P.', are highly sought after by collectors. In some cases, Blake has created special editions or artist's variants, which may include hand-colouring or additional elements, making each print unique within the edition.
Blake has occasionally revisited earlier designs, creating new editions or variations years after the original. These later prints are typically clearly marked with their new date of creation, distinguishing them from the original editions. Understanding these practices is crucial for accurately dating and valuing Blake's prints.
Browse Peter Blake prints on the Trading Floor and find out more about the print market growth on the MAB100 Print Index.
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Has Your Peter Blake Print Been Kept in Good Condition?
Blake's prints are known for their vibrant colours and precise details, making any deterioration particularly noticeable and potentially detrimental to the work's value. When assessing the condition of a Blake print, several key factors should be considered.
Firstly, examine the paper for any signs of damage or ageing. Look for discolouration, foxing (brown spots caused by oxidation), or acid burn, particularly around the edges. Blake often used high-quality, acid-free papers that are generally resistant to minor damage and fading for his prints, but improper storage or exposure to environmental factors can still lead to deterioration over time. Any tears, creases, or water damage can significantly impact the print's value.
His prints are renowned for their bold, saturated hues, so any fading or colour shift can be particularly detrimental. This is especially important for screenprints, which make up a significant portion of Blake's print portfolio. The inks used in screenprinting can be susceptible to fading if exposed to direct sunlight or harsh artificial light over extended periods.
Check for any surface imperfections such as scratches, scuffs, or abrasions - these can be particularly noticeable in areas of solid colour or intricate detail. Examine the print under raking light to detect any such issues, as well as any undulations in the paper that might indicate past water damage or improper storage.
For prints that incorporate additional elements, such as diamond dust or metallic inks (which Blake has used in some of his later works), ensure these special features are intact and have not flaked or degraded. These elements can be particularly sensitive and require careful handling and storage.
Proper storage and display are essential for maintaining a Blake print in good condition. Ideally, prints should be kept in acid-free environments, away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity. If framed, UV-protective glass and acid-free matting are recommended to prevent light damage and acid migration.
For a thorough assessment, consider consulting a paper conservator specialising in contemporary prints. They can provide a detailed condition report and advise on any necessary conservation measures. Remember that while minor imperfections might be acceptable given the age of some prints, significant damage or alterations can substantially decrease value. Professional conservation, if needed, should be undertaken with great care to preserve the integrity of the print; if done incorrectly, it can negatively affect the value of the print.
Advanced imaging techniques, such as infrared reflectography or UV fluorescence, may be employed during the appraisal process to reveal any underlying alterations not visible to the naked eye. These methods can be particularly useful in detecting any signs of restoration or tampering that might affect the print's authenticity or value. For advice on how to get started with faithful conservation or condition assessment of your Peter Blake print, contact MyArtBroker.
When is the Best Time to Sell My Peter Blake Print?
Timing the sale of a Peter Blake print requires careful consideration of market trends, cultural events, and the artist's ongoing career developments. Blake's market has shown steady growth over the past decades, with particular spikes following major retrospectives or renewed interest in British Pop Art.
Major exhibitions or retrospectives of Blake's work often generate increased interest and media coverage, potentially driving up demand and prices for his prints. For example, the comprehensive retrospective at Tate Liverpool in 2007 and subsequent exhibitions at prominent galleries such as Waddington Custot have helped to reinforce Blake's status and stimulate the market for his work.
Anniversary years related to significant moments in Blake's career or in pop culture history can also create opportune selling moments. For instance, anniversaries related to The Beatles or other iconic musicians Blake has worked with can spark renewed interest in his music-related prints. The 50th anniversary of the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover in 2017 saw increased attention on Blake's work associated with The Beatles.
Keep an eye on broader trends in the art market, particularly those related to British Pop Art or 1960s art in general. Surges of interest in these areas can create a favourable environment for selling Blake's prints. Additionally, any new publications or scholarly works focusing on Blake's career can refocus attention on his market.
We recommend monitoring sales results and value trajectory reports from major auction houses and galleries. These can provide insights into which series or periods of Blake's work are currently in highest demand. For instance, if there's a surge of interest in Blake's early Pop Art-related prints, it might be an opportune time to sell works from that period.
MyArtBroker offers advanced art tech tools to help you determine the optimal time to sell. Our MyPortfolio service features an AI-powered value indicator that provides real-time valuations of individual prints based on both public and private sales data. Combined with our complimentary valuations, we can help ensure your print achieves maximum value by selling at the perfect moment.
Where Can I Sell My Peter Blake Print?
Selling a Peter Blake Via Online Marketplace
Digital platforms have ushered in a new era of art sales, with many art collectors now exploring the potential of an online sale. These marketplaces offer sellers greater control over the sales process and can potentially connect you with a wide array of Blake enthusiasts globally. For more modestly priced Blake prints or those from larger editions, online platforms can be an effective option. They allow for detailed descriptions and high-quality images, crucial for showcasing the nuances of Blake's printmaking techniques. Fees are typically lower compared to traditional auction houses, and the potential for a quick sale is higher. However, this route presents its own challenges. The lack of in-person viewing can make it difficult for buyers to fully appreciate the print's quality and condition, and without professional authentication you are unlikely to secure such a high value. There's also a risk of your Blake print getting lost in a sea of listings without the curated presentation offered by traditional galleries or auctions. For high-value or rare Blake works, the online marketplace should be approached with caution, and specialised fine art platforms with robust authentication processes are preferable.
Selling a Peter Blake Via Auction House
cPrestigious auction houses like Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips regularly showcase Blake's work, offering a global stage for your print. These institutions leverage their vast networks and marketing prowess to attract serious collectors, potentially igniting bidding wars that can drive prices skyward. The competitive atmosphere of a live auction can be particularly advantageous for rare Blake prints or those with historical significance, such as his Beatles-related works. However, this path comes with considerations. Sellers should be prepared for substantial fees, often reaching 25% of the hammer price. There's also the inherent unpredictability of auctions; your piece might exceed expectations or fail to meet its reserve. Additionally, you'll have limited control over the sale's timing and presentation, as you'll need to adhere to the auction house's schedule and cataloguing process.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling a Peter Blake Via a Broker
Engaging a private broker or dealer offers a more personalised approach. These art market professionals can develop tailored sales strategies based on their understanding of the Blake market and their networks of collectors. This route can be particularly effective for prints that might appeal to niche collectors, such as those focused solely on British Pop Art. Brokers offer the advantage of discretion, potentially quicker sales, and personalised advice throughout the transaction. However, this convenience comes at a cost, with fees generally ranging from 10% to 20%. While you might miss out on the broader exposure that public auctions provide, the expertise and network of a knowledgeable broker can be invaluable, especially for high-value or rare Blake prints.
Why Sell Your Peter Blake with MyArtBroker?
A Dedicated Broker
MyArtBroker offers a distinctive service connecting clients with their dedicated personal broker, ensuring a secure transaction through our online digital platform. Our specialists excel at sourcing direct buyers for consigned prints via our live trading floor, where users within our extensive network can express interest in specific prints and multiples by particular artists, whether they intend to sell, buy, or simply enquire about a specific print. Our team is approachable, passionate, and consistently provides updates on the art market and artists. We guide sellers through a seamless transaction process, establishing a fair market valuation based on realistic sale prices and offering free advice on the optimal timing for selling, leveraging our extensive knowledge of the art market.
Minimise Risk
At MyArtBroker, we prioritise transparency and security in every art sale. Our stringent due diligence process ensures the authentication and verification of artwork provenance, drawing upon our in-house expertise and collaborating with professional external contacts when needed. This approach effectively mitigates the risk of trading counterfeit or stolen art pieces. Additionally, we minimise the risks associated with public sales. While public auctions may seem appealing, unsold prints can harm an artist's market. Private sales eliminate this risk and enable quicker liquidity release for your artwork compared to adhering to strict auction schedules dictating when your work can be offered for sale.
0% Seller's Fees, 100% of the Time
Our team of specialists offers tailored services to procure rare and special edition prints, catering to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the market. As part of our standard practice, we provide complimentary valuations and charge zero seller's fees, setting us apart from other private brokers and traditional auction houses. By minimising overhead costs, we allocate resources towards digital innovation and targeted marketing strategies within our network and house magazine.
When it comes to selling artwork, achieving the best price hinges on accessing a niche market with an established collector community. If you're looking to sell a print, turning to a specialist in the print market, like MyArtBroker, yields superior results compared to approaching an auction house, which caters to broader categories of artwork.
Our Network
Through our live trading floor we empower our network of collectors, fundamentally reshaping the art investment and trading landscape in the digital era. Offering real time market data and insights gleaned from worldwide collectors, we establish value based on convenience, accessibility, and the exceptional level of transparency and security provided to over tens of thousands of users.
Peter Blake Collection Management with MyPortfolio
In addition to our live trading floor, MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio serves as a collection management system, empowering collectors to curate and oversee their prints and editions collection. This feature grants users access to our print market database, uniquely tied to our proprietary algorithm, SingularityX. This algorithm scans and analyses both public auction and private sales data to determine real time valuations of individual print works, factoring in various aspects such as condition, colour, and other factors affecting value.
Read What Powers MyArtBroker's Technology? In Conversation With Stuart Jamieson, Financial Quant to learn more about our algorithm.
Emerging art tech tools are vital in navigating the current, and evolving, digital art market landscape. For instance, by adding Peter Blake prints from our website to the MyPortfolio dashboard, users gain insight into unique sale opportunities and observe market performance and fluctuations as they happen, streamlining the sales process effortlessly. Our pioneering technology has revolutionised art portfolio management, making it more accessible and equipping users with data-driven insights for informed decisions. MyArtBroker harnesses cutting-edge technology driven by data, coupled with a team of industry experts, to deliver an exceptional experience. Our professionals work closely with clients, utilising the MyPortfolio dashboard, to provide personalised guidance for creating a profitable art collection. By merging technology and expertise, we are committed to offering unparalleled curation and customer service.
