Exploring the World of Prints: My First Visit to the London Original Print Art Fair at Somerset House
- Marx James
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
Today, I had the pleasure of stepping into a world I hadn’t yet fully explored—the fascinating and intricate realm of art prints. The London Print Art Fair at Somerset House was my destination, and my mission was to learn, research, and absorb as much as possible about the print market, framing techniques, and the value behind these works. As I continue my journey curating Nick Fraser’s collection, understanding how prints are positioned in the art world is an essential piece of the puzzle.
Discovering the Value Behind Prints
One of the most interesting aspects of the day was seeing how prints vary in price and desirability, depending on factors such as age, artist popularity, and edition numbers. A real standout moment was coming across an authentic Roy Lichtenstein print, American Indian Theme VI (27/50), dated 1980 and priced at £22,000. Seeing it in person, knowing it was just one of fifty ever produced, emphasized how significant print editions are in the collecting world. You can take a closer look at this striking piece here.
The Power of Scale: Diana Copperwhite’s ‘Quiet Girl’
Another piece that caught my eye (and likely everyone else’s at the fair!) was Diana Copperwhite’s ‘Quiet Girl’ (2025)—a stunning large-scale print that easily claimed the title for biggest print of the event. The sheer scale and presence of her work added another dimension to my research, prompting thoughts about how size impacts framing choices and the overall visual effect of a piece. You can view ‘Quiet Girl’ here.
The Art of Framing and Presentation
Beyond the artworks themselves, I spent time observing different framing techniques and matting styles that enhance the presentation of prints. The way a print is framed can completely elevate its aesthetic, increase its perceived value, and add to the storytelling behind it. Seeing firsthand how museum-quality frames and high-end mounts are used gave me a wealth of ideas to consider as I move forward with presenting and preserving Nick Fraser’s work. One piece that particularly caught my attention was a Picasso sketch—a delicate, minimal yet piece of work. While the artwork itself carried undeniable significance, I couldn’t help but feel that the framing choice didn’t quite do it justice. The balance between simplicity and enhancement in framing is crucial, and in this case, a more considered approach could have allowed the piece to stand out more.
A Beautiful Day in London
Beyond the fair itself, London had an incredible energy today. There’s something about a bright, sunny day in the city that makes everything feel more vibrant, more alive, and more inspiring. Walking through Somerset House, soaking in the atmosphere, and taking the time to connect with other art lovers reminded me once again why I love being on this journey.
Taking This Knowledge Forward
This visit gave me valuable insights into how prints hold weight in the art market and how presentation plays a key role in their desirability. As I continue curating Nick Fraser’s collection, understanding these details will be essential in making informed decisions about how to introduce his work to collectors and galleries.
This was just the first step into the world of print art, and I look forward to seeing how these learnings can be applied, adapted, and integrated into the wider journey of bringing Nick’s work to the world.
📍 Have you ever considered collecting prints? What draws you to them—artist, edition, or presentation? Let’s start the conversation in the comments!
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