Renowned for her emotive and deeply personal artworks, Tracey Emin is one of the most significant British artists working today. If you have an Emin work you’re thinking about selling, this guide offers some valuable tips to help you navigate the process successfully.
Tracey Emin, a contemporary artist of remarkable versatility, discovered her passion for printmaking during her Fine Art and Printmaking studies at Maidstone Art College in 1986. Since then, she has crafted a diverse array of print works, including etchings, lithographs, woodcuts, embroidered screen prints, and monoprints, along with limited-edition photographic prints of her iconic neon artworks. Emin's creations are a window into her emotions and life experiences, capturing a raw vulnerability that has inspired both criticism and acclaim throughout her decades-long career. This emotional depth resonates deeply with collectors, making her work highly sought after in the art market today.
If you’re considering selling your Tracey Emin artwork, there are several factors to consider to ensure you’ll achieve the best possible outcome from the sale:
Provenance and Authenticity: While certificates of authenticity are rarer for Emin prints, knowledge of its origin and provenance will help establish legitimacy and give buyers the confidence they need when making a significant investment. Tracey Emin's prints often have various markings that authenticate the artwork, such as a signature, edition number, title and date. The presence and placement of these markings can vary depending on the type of print and it's important to become familiar with the specific markings associated with your print to accurately identify its authenticity.
Editions and Rarity: Emin's diverse print mediums have varying degrees of rarity, whilst the edition extent and the impact of the image will also influence the value of a work. Prints with smaller edition sizes tend to fetch higher prices, and certain images and messages are more popular than others.
Condition and Restoration: The condition of your artwork significantly influences its value. If you have had the artwork framed and hung, this can make the print susceptible to mount burn and light damage. We recommend assessing the condition carefully and addressing any condition issues through professional restoration to maximise the print’s selling potential. Our consignments team can put you in touch with trusted fine art conservators if your print needs restoration.
Market Trends: The amount your artwork can achieve will also be impacted by art market trends and the demand among collectors. Familiarising yourself with recent auction sales to gauge the demand and market value for specific Emin prints will help you to know when it is the best time to sell.
Selling Platforms: It’s important to choose the appropriate selling platform for your Emin artwork to get the most from the sale. Auction houses offer credibility and expert guidance, but you may find you’ll return less than you hoped for due to fees. Selling through a gallery can help you to achieve the best price for your artwork, whilst providing you with expert advice and a marketing strategy to ensure that your work is seen by an established network of collectors.
If you have an Emin print that you’re thinking about selling, you can get in touch with our consignments team today to request a complimentary valuation or market insight. From determining an optimal pricing strategy, to connecting you with a dedicated network of collectors, at Lougher Contemporary we provide unparalleled support throughout the selling process to help you to achieve the best possible outcome for your Tracey Emin artworks.
