The Seller’s Guide To Tracey Emin

Emin's passion for printmaking began in 1986 while studying Fine Art and Printmaking at Maidstone Art College, where she produced her first lithograph. This formative experience sparked a lifelong connection to the medium, which she has described as an unpredictable yet deeply rewarding process.

Tracey Emin's diverse printmaking practice spans etchings, screenprints, lithographs, woodcuts, and monoprints, each characterised by raw and emotive aesthetics that reflect her deeply personal artistic voice. Collaborating with renowned studios such as Counter Editions and Paragon Press, she has produced limited-edition works from the early 2000s to the present day. Emin has also ventured into limited-edition photographic prints of her iconic neon artworks, featuring confessional, text-based phrases in her own handwriting. Many of these neon installation prints were published by Emin International, which, though no longer in operation, played a significant role in cementing her legacy in contemporary printmaking.

The value of Emin prints are influenced by various factors, including its subject matter, edition size, provenance, and prevailing market trends. Emin’s works are currently in high demand, with specific themes often commanding premium prices due to their emotional resonance and the powerful feminine narratives they convey. Recent auction results highlight collector preferences and value, showcasing significant interest in a range of her mediums, including neon prints, unique monotypes, nudes, and bird-themed pieces.

Tracey Emin Neon Prints

The Kiss Was Beautiful (2011), a limited-edition neon lithographic print, represents one of Emin's most valuable works in this category, achieving a sale price of £6,400 (including fees) in June 2023. More affordable poster versions, typically priced between £400 and £1,000, offer accessible entry points for collectors. These reinterpretations of Emin's neon LED sculptures are iconic and unmistakably tied to her brand, two key factors that help secure and maintain value for sellers in the market.

Tracey Emin Nudes and Portraits

Emin’s figurative works, especially her nudes and portraits, continue to captivate collectors and attract strong market attention. Spanning from her early 2000s creations to her more recent releases, these pieces demonstrate a consistent rise in appreciation and value. For example, 3.30 AM - Again (2021), a unique lithograph produced with Counter Editions, set a record as Emin’s highest-valued print, selling for £44,100 at Christie’s in October 2023. Complete sets of editioned portraits have also perform exceptionally well; the set These Feelings Were True (2020) holds multiple high-value records, with the top price reaching £47,880 in 2021.

Emin’s early woodcuts and monotypes, such as It Just Happens (2001) and Suffer Love X (2009), are continuing to attract interest and command premium prices due to their status as signed, unique prints. However, Emin has also produced editioned prints of certain monotypes, including various editions of Suffer Love, which are valued slightly lower, from £900 to £1,500 according to MyArtBroker’s Value Indicator.

For sellers, monotypes in Emin’s market will always achieve premium prices due to their uniqueness, but editioned prints of these works offer a more accessible alternative, broadening the buyer base and maintaining strong demand. Understanding these dynamics is key to maximising returns when selling Emin prints.

Birds and Nature Motifs

In the early 2000s, Emin also created a variety of prints featuring delicate portrayals of birds, which are now gaining increasing attention from collectors. This trend was highlighted in October 2024 at Christie’s, where Birds (2012), produced by Counter Editions, achieved a record-breaking sale of £15,120. Similarly, Believe In Extraordinary (2015), another lithograph by Counter Editions, set its own record with a sale of £12,700.

Birds hold a unique place in Emin’s work, offering a somewhat unexpected but fitting addition to her broader themes of freedom, longing, and solitude. Typically released in limited editions ranging from 50 to 300, with some including artist proofs (AP), these works are semi-rare in the market despite the edition size. Their rising popularity in recent years indicates a strong upward trajectory, and with new benchmarks being set, Emin’s bird-themed prints are emerging as compelling prospects to watch closely.

If you’re thinking about selling an Emin print, MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio service offers real-time valuation insights and market data, making it easy to research past auction results and market trends. This tool helps you determine the fair market value (FMV) of your print with confidence.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation valuation.

Tracey Emin's Signature

Always verify the signature. Emin hand-signs all her editions, though the style and placement of her signature can vary depending on the medium. For lithographs and etchings, Emin typically signs in pencil on the bottom-right corner, along with the edition number, while the title is often inscribed on the bottom-left corner. For her digital neon prints, she signs “Tracey Emin X” or “Tracey Emin [year]” in silver ink in the bottom-right corner. However, her photographic editions are not signed.

In her earlier works or unique monotypes, Emin sometimes used alternative materials, such as ink, for signing, depending on the print’s medium and paper type. In rare cases, her signature may be located on the reverse of the print. Understanding these variations and cross-referencing them with verified examples from auction houses or gallery records is crucial for sellers when confirming authenticity.

Tracey Emin Catalogue Raisonné And Provenance

Currently, there is no official catalogue raisonné for Emin’s body of print work that details her editions comprehensively. However, reputable auction houses, galleries, and platforms like MyArtBroker can provide reliable resources to verify edition numbers, signatures, and other essential details to authenticate and value your Emin print accurately.

Establishing provenance is equally important. Collectors should maintain a thorough paper trail, including original invoices, certificates of authenticity, and exhibition records, if available. Emin’s prints often trace back to White Cube Gallery, her primary representation. White Cube has handled the sale of many of her works and provides key documentation in any sale if the print originated from them. While the Tracey Emin Foundation plays a significant role in promoting her artistic legacy, it does not offer authentication services, meaning independent verification is essential.

If you're uncertain about the authenticity of your Emin print, seeking guidance from a trusted expert is highly recommended. MyArtBroker provides free valuations and access to verified specialists through The Directory, a reliable resource for addressing all your print sale needs.

The condition of Emin’s prints and editions is a critical consideration for sellers, as it directly affects their market value. While Emin's works are often created using high-quality materials, even these are not immune to deterioration over time if improperly stored or handled. For prints produced in the early 2000s or earlier, their age should be factored into the condition assessment. Common signs of damage include paper discolouration, buckling, foxing (small brown spots caused by mould or oxidation), or fading from prolonged exposure to light or unsuitable storage conditions.

For instance, Emin’s neon lithographs, often printed on thick, fine-grain paper designed to withstand wear, can still show signs of creasing, edge wear, or other handling-related imperfections if not adequately cared for. Sellers should ensure proper storage and handling practices to maintain the artwork's integrity.

Proper Handling And Restoration for Maximum Value

As a seller, taking proactive steps to preserve the condition of your Emin print. Prints should always be handled with clean hands or art-handling gloves to prevent oils or smudges from affecting the paper. When storing, use acid-free materials and avoid areas with high humidity or fluctuating temperatures, which can cause warping or mould growth. For framed works, opt for UV-protective glass to shield the artwork from sunlight, which can fade colours over time.

If your print shows signs of damage - such as tears, fading, or stains - it may be worth consulting a professional conservator before placing it on the market. For example, digital prints like I've Got It All (2000) may benefit from gentle cleaning or flattening to restore their presentation quality.

For detailed insights on assessing condition and the benefits of restoration, explore our comprehensive restoration guide.

Timing your sale plays a crucial role in maximising the value of Emin prints. Emin's market is often bolstered by her ongoing artistic achievements, record-breaking sales, and high-profile exhibitions, making it essential for sellers to stay informed about key moments in her career.

Tracey Emin Record Auction Sales And Exhibitions

In 2022, Emin's painting Like a Cloud of Blood sold for a record-breaking £2.3 million at auction, landing among her highest valued works, and reflecting a significant surge in her market value. This milestone, coupled with her subsequent exhibitions at White Cube in New York (2023) and London (2024) have showcased works exploring her most popular themes of vulnerability and resilience. Selling during or shortly after such exhibitions can be an opportune time, as heightened visibility often translates to increased demand, which we have seen in Emin's print market.

Tracey Emin Charitable and Philanthropic Contributions

Emin’s philanthropic contributions also play a pivotal role in shaping her market. In 2023, she designed the bronze doors for the newly reopened National Portrait Gallery in London, a project that underscored her cultural significance. Coinciding with this, Emin released a series of limited-edition prints with Counter Editions, further cementing her presence in the art market. These prints not only celebrate her artistic contributions but also attract buyers drawn to the cultural and historical context of the works. Her active involvement in philanthropic and artistic initiatives creates continuous brand awareness, reinforcing her market’s strength.

Emin’s continuous engagement with charitable and artistic endeavors - whether through donating works to major auctions or supporting initiatives like her Margate-based art school - builds her reputation and expands her audience. For sellers, these moments of increased visibility and positive publicity create an ideal backdrop for listing Emin prints, as they can drive up demand and, consequently, the value of her works.

As a seller, there are several avenues available for selling your artwork, each offering its own unique advantages tailored to the specific dynamics of the artist’s market. The most common options include auction houses and private sales.

Selling Via Auction House

Auction houses are renowned for their ability to attract a global network of collectors. They are attractive options because of their global reach, extensive marketing budgets, and established reputations. Although these are attractive options, especially for blue chip brand name recognised artist like Emin they do present drawbacks. Auction houses charge high seller commissions, which can range from 10% to 15%, and buyers’ premiums up to 25%, which can deter potential collectors. For works that fall within the mid-tier market - like most of Emin’s editioned prints, which often sell for £1,000 to £15,000 - the fees can significantly eat into profits. Additionally, sellers must account for ancillary costs like storage, marketing, and unsold fees if the piece doesn’t meet its reserve price. For prints that appeal to a broader audience but don’t necessarily fall into the high-value bracket, these fees can outweigh the benefits.

Selling Via Private Dealer

Selling with a private dealer offers distinct advantages, particularly for mid-tier works like Emin’s prints, which often attract a niche collector base. Private dealers typically maintain an established network of clients, including loyal collectors with a keen interest in specific artists or themes. This targeted approach connects sellers with buyers who are deeply invested in Emin’s work and willing to pay a premium for pieces that align with their emotional or collecting preferences.

Private dealers also provide a more personalised experience throughout the selling process. Many have years of experience in the auction and art markets, much like MyArtBroker specialists. In some cases, private dealers can facilitate quicker liquidity, however this largely hinges on the size and activity of their collector network. It’s important to note that working with a private dealer also comes with seller fees, which, while often negotiable, can impact final returns. Sellers will need to conduct thorough research to find a dealer with expertise in both the artist and the type of print they wish to sell to ensure the best outcome.