Gauntlet Gallery — Dennis Morris Print Index
Babylon By Van
Summary
Babylon By Van is a 2018 archival pigment print at 18 x 24 inches in an edition of 36 on 290gsm Moab Fine Art Rag. According to Morris, the image is one of his own photographs of Bob Marley, tied to a personal encounter with the artist, making it a documentary work with firsthand origin.
Why It Matters
Morris's own account grounds this as a picture he took of Marley, not an interpreted composition, which gives it strong authenticity. The edition of 36 keeps it genuinely limited, and the title's "Babylon" reference roots it in reggae's Rastafarian vocabulary. It later inspired the 2021 Babylon By Van II revisit.
Collector Perspective
An edition of 36 on 24 x 18 heavyweight rag places this in very scarce territory alongside the other 2018 Marley releases. Collectors may pair it with Babylon By Van II to trace the theme across editions. The photographer's stated personal connection to the image adds narrative value; confirm edition details on acquisition.
Historical Context
Morris's Bob Marley photography stems from genuine proximity to the artist in the 1970s. "Babylon" invokes the Rastafarian critique of oppressive systems central to reggae's message. Issued in 2018 as a giclée on Moab Fine Art Rag, the print became the basis for the smaller-format 2021 second edition.
FAQ
Is this an original Morris photograph of Marley?
Yes, Morris describes it as one of the photos he took of Bob Marley, tied to a personal encounter.
How does it relate to Babylon By Van II?
This 2018 original preceded the 2021 II edition, which revisited the theme at a smaller size.
What is the edition size?
36 impressions on 290gsm Moab Fine Art Rag.
About the Artist
Dennis Morris (born 1960 in Jamaica, raised in London) is a British photographer known for his intimate portraits of music icons. As a teenager he photographed Bob Marley on tour, producing images that shaped Marley's public identity, and he later documented the Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd at close range. Beyond music, Morris chronicled Black British and South Asian communities in London. His photographs are held in institutional collections, and his work is recognized for bridging reggae, punk, and documentary photography with rare access and warmth.
Collecting Dennis Morris at Gauntlet Gallery
What should I look for when buying a Dennis Morris photograph?
Look for signed gelatin silver or archival pigment prints, noting the edition size, print date, paper, and whether it is a vintage or later lifetime/estate printing. Provenance from a gallery or the artist is important for photographic works. Gauntlet Gallery records the print type, edition, and condition for each Morris photograph offered.
How is a Dennis Morris print authenticated?
Authentication rests on the artist's signature, edition numbering, gallery or studio provenance, and any accompanying certificate. For photographs, distinguishing a signed limited edition from an unsigned reproduction is central. Gauntlet Gallery supplies the documentation and provenance available and describes the printing method precisely.
What drives value in Dennis Morris photographs?
Iconic subjects, especially Bob Marley and the Sex Pistols, drive demand, alongside vintage prints, small edition sizes, and strong condition. A signed, dated print of a well-known image with clear provenance carries the most value. Later open editions and reproductions sit lower in the market.