What is a small edition print?
An edition is a number of prints made from one plate, negative or digital file. A small, or limited edition is a fixed number of works produced under the proviso that no further copies will be created later. Editions are signed and numbered by the artist to reflect the unique number of impressions and the total edition size. In general, the smaller the edition size, the greater the value of the print.
Darklight Art sells only small edition print runs, because we want our buyers’ works to be collectible and highly sought-after.
How do I know if my print is an authentic?
You can tell that your Darklight print is authentic from the artist-signed sticker mounted on the back of each piece. Every art print also comes accompanied by a digital certificate of authenticity.
Will my print gain in value?
Darklight Art sells works by a handful of the world’s most exciting emerging and established artists, therefore it is likely that your art print will gain in value. We choose to collaborate with artists who we trust and who have a great reputation in the industry. However, we urge you to buy art because you truly love it, rather than because you want to make a profit.
Because all of our works are small editions and unique to Darklight Art, they will not be found anywhere else, online or off.
Is the packaging eco-friendly?
Our poster tubes are made from recycled cardboard and are recyclable. The tube ends are made from recycled plastic and are also recyclable.
Our print boxes are eco friendly and made from recycled content and fully recyclable.
Our tissue paper is recycled, eco friendly and vegan. It's PH neutral and made from 99% recycled pulp fibres. Approximately 35% of the electrics used to make it is produced from renewable energy.
Our tape is paper based and water activated, so no need for any adhesives or plastics. It’s made from 100% recycled content. It’s FSC certified and printed with soy ink.
Are these works original?
Darklight Art is an online space specialising in the sale of small edition fine art prints. The works sold on this website are authenticated replications of originals, with the exception of listed Polaroids.
Talk to me about the quality of the print.
All prints are printed with Metro Imaging. They are one of Europe's leading professional photographic labs for art printing with 40 years experience behind them. They have an incredible knowledge of art and photographic production. Their client list includes Vogue, Rankin, The National Portrait Gallery, Magnum Photos, Mario Testino, Saatchi Gallery and the V&A - to name just a few.
Will more numbers be added to the edition?
No, once an edition is numbered and sold, no more works at that size or of that exact image should be created. Some artists may destroy the negative from which an edition came in order to ensure the authenticity of the print run and to protect buyers from the value of works bought fluctuating.
What is an artist’s proof?
An artist proof, or AP is a print generally used as a working-proof in the printmaking process and therefore slightly different from the rest of the run if adjustments are to be made. Ie. Colour corrections or touch-ups. Although this is not usually required in digital printing, the tradition of creating proofs has remained. Usually the AP is kept by the artist, or sometimes offered to models/those involved in the production process. AP’s sit outside the edition number, so you may have an edition of 10 + 1 AP. Technically there are 11 prints in existence, but the AP does not affect the value of the run.
Can I purchase a gift card?
Yes! We have now added gift cards to the website 🎁 These are electronic and can be sent to a friend or recipient via email. Gift cards do not expire.
Can I view the artwork in person prior to purchase?
Unfortunately not at this time. Each artwork is printed to order and our artists are based all around the world. However, we are planning some events IRL later this year. Subscribe to our mailing list for updates.
What framing options does Darklight offer?
All our works can be framed. Framing and mounting is handled by a specialist team at Metro Framing. We currently offer two types of framing.
1) Classic wooden frame with anti-reflective museum glass in either black or white. NB. Prints ordered in a classic frame will come backed, but unmounted.
2) Wooden box frame with anti-reflective museum glass in either black or white. NB. Prints ordered in box frames will be dry-mounted onto kapa board.
How can I best care for my artwork once it arrives?
Try not to touch the print with bare hands. Getting the artwork framed in one of our frames with anti-reflective glass will help keep it safe from UV and prevent damp getting to it. Ideally hang it in a dry environment away from direct sunlight or areas of high humidity.
Do you accept artist submissions?
We are always happy to see artists work. Please send your portfolio to info@darklight-art.com and we’ll come back to you as soon as we can. Please bear in mind we are a small company with an intentionally small roster, so don’t be offended if we can’t take you on. It doesn’t mean we don’t love your work. :)
Any tips for starting an art collection?
Always buy work that resonates with you and that you love. Don’t worry about investment. Although if it goes up in value then, great! Make sure the work is authenticated by the artist i.e it has a signature or certificate of authenticity. Make sure you buy sizes to reflect the space that you have. Take a look at Tim Paton’s interview with Photography Advisor Tristan Lund on our 'stories' page for more info on collecting.
