What are Limited Edition Prints?

If you’ve been enjoying browsing the Lauren’s Cows cow art collection, you’ve probably come across the term Limited Edition Print. But what exactly are Limited Edition Prints, and how do they differ from an open edition print?

In this blog we discuss exactly what Limited Edition Prints are and their benefits.

So what are Limited Edition prints?

Simply put a Limited Edition Print is a signed reproduction of an original artwork that is capped at a fixed quantity. Every print carries it’s individual number and artist signature and once each number in the edition has been sold no further prints of that design should be produced.

The signature strip

The easiest way to tell if a print is a Limited Edition print is the signature strip. Unlike Open Edition Prints where the inked area of the print meets the mount, Limited Edition Prints feature a white margin also known as a signature strip. This signature strip holds three elements 

• The edition number 
• The name of the artwork 
• Artist Lauren Terry full signature 

Along with the painted iconic LT stamp, Limited Edition Prints also are marked with a second Lauren Terry signature. 

When they’re gone, they’re gone

Where a Limited Edition Print really differs from an Open Edition print is the size of the run. At Lauren’s Cows we want our Limited Edition Prints to be a special collectable piece, therefore we like to keep our runs low at either 75 or 125 prints. Each print is will show a number, such as 2/125, meaning it is print number 2 from a total edition of 125. Some artists create much larger runs, technically anything under 500 art prints can be considered Limited Edition, but in our opinion this volume takes away the exclusivity factor. 

If you are really lucky you may get your hands on a first edition, marked number one. These prints are always highly collectable.

The important thing with Limited Edition Prints is they sell out, and when a run has reached it’s end there will be no more printed. We still receive enquiries about some sold out designs. Highland Cow art print ‘Gone With The Wind’ and curious friesian cow ‘Found You!’ are highly sought after despite the editions finishing more than five years ago.

The making of a Limited Edition Print

Whether you’re shopping for Highland cow art, or a Belted Galloway print, one thing you can be sure of our print quality is of the highest standard. Every print begins, of course, with the original acrylic cow painting. Once the painting is complete, it is carefully scanned by my art technician using a high-definition art scanner, capturing an ultra-high-resolution digital file with incredible detail.

Then the art of colour balancing begins.

Print after print is produced, with each one constantly compared against the original painting. Adjustments are made to colour, balance and tone until the print is as close a reproduction of the original artwork as it can possibly be.

This style of print is known as a Giclée print, combines colourfast pigment-based inks with archival paper to produce exceptional colour accuracy, intricate detail and a lifetime colour guarantee. 

This colour matching process is vital in the production of our prints. So much time and thought goes into deciding each colour that goes into every original cow painting. It’s those unexpected colours that people find so captivating. So creating an inferior print simply wouldn’t do justice to the original.

Every Limited Edition Print is therefore produced with the same care and attention to colour, detail and quality that goes into the original painting, ensuring you receive a print that truly captures the character and vibrancy of the artwork.

Limited Edition Prints vs Open Edition Prints

When it comes to print quality all Lauren’s Cows art prints are made to the same high standard and go through the same rigorous attention to detail. So why the price difference? The added value comes in the rarity of the print. 

Open edition prints are an affordable alternative, while Limited Editions are a brilliant collectors piece. This added exclusivity also means that Limited Edition Prints can increase in value over time if collector demand exceeds supply. That being said, art is meant to be bought because you love the subject, not for its resale value. Knowing you have one of just a handful is an added bonus!

Meaningful numbers

If you have a number that is special to you and you would like to request that number on the print, then please get in touch. We are always happy to oblige, as long as the number hasn’t already been sold and it falls within the print run. 

Buying art is a fantastic way to mark occasions and milestones in life. Celebrating a 50th birthday with edition 50 of 75 makes the art print even more significant. 

Certificate of authenticity

Some artists provide a Certificate of Authenticity with their Limited Edition Prints. However, this isn’t a necessity. For our Limited Edition Prints, the artist’s signature and individual edition number are sufficient to authenticate the print and confirm its status as part of a Limited Edition.

There is one exception: bespoke canvas prints created in a Limited Edition design.

As it isn’t possible to add an individual edition number directly to the canvas print, we provide a Certificate of Authenticity with these pieces instead. This certificate serves as proof of the print’s authenticity and confirms its place within the Limited Edition.

If you love it, go for it 

Whether you only buy Limited Edition Prints, or you’ve simply fallen in love with a particular cow, a Limited Edition print is a wonderful piece to own.

One thing we always say to our customers is: if you love it, go for it. Because if you don’t, you may come back later only to discover that you’ve missed your chance. Once a Limited Edition sells out, that’s it, there won’t be any more.

Choose a Limited Edition or an Open Edition print, and you can be sure of the same commitment to quality, incredible attention to detail and a whole lot of character.

Because ultimately, you’re not just bringing home a print. You’re bringing home a new addition to the family, one certain to make you smile every single day.