Giclée Printing

What is a giclée print?
Giclée is a French word for fine spray. Artist's giclée art reproductions are produced one at a time on a superior quality large format 6 or 8 colour ink jet style printer.

What is the lifetime of a giclée print?
Independent testing has valued the lifetime of some giclée art reproductions using pigment inks at over 100 years. The best way to know what you are getting is by dealing with a reputable gallery.

How can I tell if the art is an original or a giclée reproduction if the printing is so good?
Even though a quality giclée art reproduction is very close to the original in appearance there are slight differences. A reputable dealer would never pass a giclée off as an original work of art. Besides the artist will normally number and sign all limited edition giclée art reproductions.

How do I know how many giclée reproductions are made of an original picture?
The artist will generally hand print the quantity of the series and the number of that particular print in the series on the bottom of the print along with his or her signature. For example 4/50 indicates that is the fourth print out of a print run of 50.

How do I know there won't be more than one print run of a limited edition giclée print?
When the number of pictures are produced that are specified on a limited edition run, a reputable artist will then destroy the image on the computer disk (CD).

How do I care for a giclée art reproduction?
A giclée print should be handled with care the same way as an original.

How do I frame a giclée art reproduction?
A giclée print should be framed in the same manner as the original. If the print is on canvas, it should be mounted on a stretcher and set into a frame suitable for an oil or acrylic on canvas. Placing under glass is not necessary or advisable as the canvas should be allowed to breathe. If the print is on paper, such as watercolor paper, placing under glass with a mat or spacer to keep it from touching the glass is preferable.

Will a giclée appreciate in value over time?
As with all limited edition prints, value depends on what someone is willing to pay. If an artist's work is sought after, his or her prints will appreciate proportionately to the original work of art. Because giclée prints are usually very small runs, the chances of appreciation are better than average.

All of our Giclee prints are produced by Steve Dennard who can be contacted on 01273 696006 or james.design@virgin.net.