The true strength of collecting prints lies in the breadth of access they offer. Editions make it possible to own original works by some of the most significant artists of the 20th and 21st centuries – artists whose paintings or sculptures might otherwise be out of reach.
Choosing what to buy should be a decision grounded in your personal taste, coupled with a strong understanding of where the artist/artwork sits in the current market.
Leading Print Artists to Collect
Collecting prints and editions allows you to acquire works by artists labelled as ‘blue chip’ in the secondary market. A blue chip artist is typically someone with a long-established market, strong institutional support, and a consistent track record at auction. Their works are seen as relatively stable in value, and are considered a cornerstone for serious collections. Some of the most sought-after names include:
Andy Warhol: While original silkscreens, such as his Marilyn Monroe canvases, can command upwards of $100 million, collectors can acquire Warhol prints across a broad spectrum of price-points. Iconic individual prints from series such as Marilyn Monroe, Mao, and Endangered Species can be acquired between £50,000 – £300,000, depending on rarity and condition. At the pinnacle of the Warhol market are his complete sets and trial proofs and, at the other end of the spectrum, certain prints from early series like Cats Named Sam can be acquired for less than £10,000.
Roy Lichtenstein: Similarly layered to the Warhol market, Lichtenstein’s original paintings can command museum-level pricing, while some of his lithographs and screenprints – like As I Opened Fire or works from the Reflections series – can often be acquired from around £25,000 upwards. Higher value works, like his 1990s Nudes and his enamel-on-steel print works, can exceed £250,000 at auction. For instance, his 1994 print Nude With Yellow Pillow achieved $1.2 million at Sotheby’s New York in 2024.
Browse Roy Lichtenstein prints.
David Hockney: A printmaker whose output spans more than six decades, Hockney’s print repertoire spans his early etchings and lithographs (available for less than £5,000) to more recent digital works such as The Arrival Of Spring (available for upwards of £100,000). Hockney’s prints offer access to key periods of his career, allowing collectors to tailor their collection to specific styles, subjects, or techniques.
Bridget Riley: Riley’s editions range from early screenprints in the 1970s, including the much-coveted Fragments series, to more recent curvilinear and colour-based compositions, with values typically starting around £10,000. While earlier, rare prints such as Untitled (Oval Image) have achieved over £80,000 at auction, many of her editions remain accessibly-priced, particularly for collectors focused on geometric abstraction.