Legal Passport Protecting Your Fine Art Investment
When collecting art photography, the documentation that comes with your print can be just as important as the actual piece. You will receive a certificate of authenticity confirming the identity of your print and where it came from.
What is a certificate of authenticity for photography?
A certificate of authenticity is often referred to as a COA and is used to confirm the authenticity of your print. This documentation will include information about your print. Depending on the edition of the print, this can include the name of the photographer, title of the image, medium of the print, size of the print, edition number and information about the gallery/estate who issued it.
Having a certificate can help collectors know that they have a fine art print rather than a print with no documentation. However, a certificate does not guarantee how the photograph was printed. Some photographs were made using darkroom techniques while others were created using varying photographic or digital techniques. The information provided should confirm how the print was made.
Limited editions will include edition numbers and may include signatures or stamps from the estate. This can provide more information about the print. It also means that there is documentation to keep track of the print provenance. This can be useful if you want to insure the artwork, sell it or pass it onto generations. It will help with documentation but does not guarantee a resale value.
Iconic Images Gallery state that all limited edition prints come with a certificate of authenticity. This, alongside the information provided with the print, will help collectors know what they are purchasing.
To view art photography prints please visit Iconic Images Gallery at 16 Waterloo Place, St Jamess (SW1Y 4AR) or visit iconicimagesgallery.com.