FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SIGNED PRINTS VS. UNSIGNED PRINTS?
Most artists sign their prints at the bottom right corner of the piece. By signing a print, the artist approves it, and, claims it as his or her own work. Signatures count for a lot on the print market since they add to the artwork’s authenticity. The value of a signed print is higher than the value of an unsigned print, so if you have a choice, it’s always better to acquire signed prints.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN limited editions AND OPEN EDITIONS?
As a rule limited edition prints are valued more highly and therefore are usually priced higher than the readily available open edition prints. Also, limited edition prints are collectible, which is not the case for open edition prints. Due to their scarcity, limited edition prints are prized, and collectors and art lovers will seek to create a collection of the same.
Are ARTHUR’S prints limited editions?
Yes, the prints are all limited editions. The Arthur Steel Archive provides exclusive prints from original negatives. A print is produced in a limited number from the original artwork under the direct supervision of the artist and Patrick; the archive’s guardian. The number of prints is strictly limited to the number in the edition. No further prints are produced.
What are the edition numbers?
12″ Small prints – editions of either 30 or 50
20″ Medium prints – editions of either 30 or 50
30″ Medium-Large prints – editions of 30
40″ Large prints – editions of 20
50″ X-Large prints – editions of 10
60″ XX-Large prints – editions of 5
67/68/72″ XXX-Large prints – editions of 3 (very few are printed at this size)
Are the prints accompanied by a certificate of authentication?
Yes they are. In fact, not only are the prints accompanied with a COA but we also film a short video of Arthur Steel signing the print and we email this footage to you for your records.
Are artist proofs and first edition’s available?
Yes. The Arthur Steel Archive is relatively young and as a result artist proofs and first editions (No.1’s) are likely to be obtainable. However, for obvious reasons these come at a premium price, if this appeals to you, simply contact the Archive indicating which image(s) your interested in and we’ll reply to you with the options available.
How are the prints presented to a client?
12 and 20 inch prints are titled, numbered and authentically signed, then carefully enfolded in acid free tissue paper and supplied flat in an acid free 4mm 3-ply box (ideal for gift wrapping). 30, 40, 50 and 60 inch prints are titled, numbered and authentically signed, then carefully enfolded in acid free tissue paper and inserted into a rigid 4mm thick protective cardboard tube for delivery.
Professional dry mounting of the prints is highly recommended and can be arranged at no extra cost to clients within the UK. The print would not only be protected from the ingress of moisture (from the wall, once hung) but would also lay perfectly flat; ready for framing. However, this makes the overall size awkward for transportation, so if you’re overseas, it is best for us to send a rolled print directly to your framers and let them carry out the works. You just need to make sure that they are fully insured as we would not be responsible for any damages that may occur during the mounting and framing process.
If you are based in the UK we can most certainly assist you with professional framing.
How much are the prints in the platinum collection?
12″ Small prints (titled, numbered and signed by Arthur Steel on recto) £1,000
20″ Medium prints (titled, numbered and signed by Arthur Steel on recto) £2,000
30″ Medium-Large prints (titled, numbered and signed by Arthur Steel on recto) £3,000
40″ Large prints (titled, numbered and signed by Arthur Steel on recto) £4,000
50″ X-Large prints (titled, numbered and signed by Arthur Steel on recto) £7,000
60″ XX-Large prints (titled, numbered and signed by Arthur Steel on recto) £10,000
67/68″ XXX-Large prints (titled, numbered and signed by Arthur Steel on recto) £12,000
How much are the prints in the gold collection?
12″ Small prints (titled, numbered and signed by Arthur Steel on recto) £750
20″ Medium prints (titled, numbered and signed by Arthur Steel on recto) £1,400
30″ Medium-Large prints (titled, numbered and signed by Arthur Steel on recto) £2,400
40″ Large prints (titled, numbered and signed by Arthur Steel on recto) £3,400
50″ X-Large prints (titled, numbered and signed by Arthur Steel on recto) £6,000
60″ XX-Large prints (titled, numbered and signed by Arthur Steel on recto) £8,000
67/68″ XXX-Large prints (titled, numbered and signed by Arthur Steel on recto) £10,000
How much are the prints in the silver collection?
12″ Small prints (titled, numbered and signed by Arthur Steel on recto) £500
20″ Medium prints (titled, numbered and signed by Arthur Steel on recto) £900
30″ Medium-Large prints (titled, numbered and signed by Arthur Steel on recto) £1,400
40″ Large prints (titled, numbered and signed by Arthur Steel on recto) £1,800 – £2,000
50″ X-Large prints (titled, numbered and signed by Arthur Steel on recto) £2,250 – £3,000
60″ XX-Large prints (titled, numbered and signed by Arthur Steel on recto) £4,000
What photographic papers do you use?
Our Black & White bromide prints are on fibre-based paper ‘Harman Galerie FB Digital’.
If you would like to see and feel the quality of our paper; simply contact us and we will send you a small paper sample. Order a free sample: patrick@arthursteel.co.uk
Where are the prints printed?
All prints are bespoke and printed by Metro Imaging in Central London.
Whereabouts on the print are the title, edition number and signature written?
All of the images are surrounded by a generous two inch white border. Beneath the bottom left of the image we write the title and the edition number. On the bottom right Arthur Steel adds his signature.
If you would prefer not to have the title and edition number written on the print and only keep Arthur’s signature; just let us know when you place your order. After all, the title and edition number will be written on the Certificate of Authenticity that will accompany the print.
CAn you explain the white border in more detail?
All prints are printed with an additional two inches of white border surrounding the perimeter of the image. For example; if you order a print with an image size of 20 x 14 inches, the overall paper size will be 24 x 18 inches.
The border is not only aesthetically pleasing to the eye but allows us to sign and title the print without defacing the image itself. It is also useful for handling the print (with cotton gloves) and also aids the picture framer when they window mount the print at the framing stage.
BLACK & WHITE FILM GRAIN
Arthur’s photographs were all captured on 35mm film, a fast medium grain film called ‘Kodak Tri-x Pan’ with an ISO speed of 400. It enabled photojournalists at the time to shoot in relatively low light conditions. Nowadays, we are used to grainless images even at an iso of 800 and above. The grain effect adds to the character and charm of the images and dates the pieces accordingly. Arthur’s images cannot to be compared to todays grainless digital technology.
Are Arthur’s prints a sound investment?
Yes they are, any print acquired from The Arthur Steel Archive is a wise and sound investment due to the rarity of the image and the print. Currently, these images can only be acquired in print form via this website and a few handpicked Art Galleries and Art Dealers.
Will the prints have watermarks on them?
No, images viewed on this website are watermarked for copyright reasons. Original prints will not be watermarked.
Do you frame the prints?
Photographic prints acquired from The Arthur Steel Archive are not supplied to the client framed.
However, if you reside in the UK we can most certainly arrange this for you as we have extremely good working relationships with efficient professional framers and we are more than happy to help in any way we can to make the production of your frame(s) as seamless as possible. Framing is an additional cost and is not included within the price of a print.
If you reside overseas; (due to the glass content) our advice is to carry out the framing locally. If you insist on having your print(s) framed here in the UK we are happy to assist you but professional crating and the safe transportation of the works by specialists will most certainly be an expensive additional cost.
What mounting & framing would you recommend?
What delivery method do you use?
Metro Imaging based in Central London use a highly experienced shipping service to deliver our boxed and rolled prints. Great care is taken to ensure prints are well protected and efficiently delivered. Acid free tissue paper protects prints from scratching/creasing. Metro also offer a vast array of delivery options to suit the recipient’s preference. Shipping is free worldwide for unframed prints only.
Delivery of framed prints is possible but due to the glass content frames must be professionally crated and shipped by specialists; and this service would be charged for.
Where can you ship to and how long does it take?
The Arthur Steel Archive can ship to any UK or international address. We will process your order as swiftly as possible. Please allow up to 28 working days for us to process, print, sign, pack and ship your limited edition.
How much will the postage/shipping cost?
We proudly provide shipping worldwide and this service is free of charge to our customers, however, there would most certainly be a cost for prints that have been framed and crated by specialists. Please contact the Archive should you wish your print(s) to be framed.
Can I track the progress of my delivery?
When your shipment has been despatched you will receive an email indicating when to expect delivery. Your tracking number will be included in the email so you can track your delivery online.
Can I provide separate billing and delivery addresses?
Yes, you can provide any delivery address, even a work address. However, please bear in mind that someone will have to be present to accept delivery, as a signature is required. This could be a neighbour, relative or even a concierge.
Which payment methods do you accept?
The Arthur Steel Archive accepts credit card payments online via this website. We also accept bank transfers and Paypal. Should you experience any difficulty with the online payment process please contact the archive.
Which payment cards do you accept?
You can pay using: Visa Debit/Delta, Mastercard, Visa, Visa Electron, Maestro, Diners Club, JCB, Laser.
What about my privacy?
The Arthur Steel Archive is firmly committed to respecting your privacy. Please rest assured, we do not store credit card details.
Can I order with complete confidence?
Yes, you can acquire prints from The Arthur Steel Archive with complete confidence as we are passionate about delivering the highest quality prints. We strive to ensure our clients are entirely happy with their purchases, and that any transaction between our client and the archive is seamless. We’re a small Father and Son business and take great pride in our work and products.
What is your returns policy?
The Arthur Steel Archive offers a 14 day money-back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with your edition. You can return it for a full refund or replacement. Important: Should you wish to return your print you must notify Patrick within 24hrs from the date of delivery either by telephone on +44 (0)7971 968268 or by email: patrick@arthursteel.co.uk The print must also be returned to us within 14 days from the date of delivery. It must be returned in its original packaging and posted by recorded delivery along with a tracking number. You will be shown our returns policy towards the end of the payment process and you will be requested to tick a box to acknowledge that you accept our returns policy.
Does The Arthur Steel Archive maintain the copyright of a purchased print?
Yes, the images on this website must not be downloaded, published or reproduced in any way without full written consent from Patrick Steel of The Arthur Steel Archive.
We are a gallery and would like to introduce Arthur’s work to our clientele, how would we go about this?
Bonafide photographic galleries that would like to sell Arthur’s photographs to their customers simply need to contact us stating which image(s) your client(s) may be interested in. The archive will provide you with low resolution jpegs (without watermarks) to assist with your email marketing.
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