Gauntlet Gallery — Dennis Morris Print Index
Babylon By Van II
Summary
Babylon By Van II is a 2021 archival pigment print on 290gsm Moab Entrada fine art paper, released May 11 in an edition of just 36 at 18 x 24 inches. As a giclée rather than a screen print, it reproduces Morris's photographic image directly, and the tiny run makes it one of the scarcest pieces in this group.
Why It Matters
The "II" designation and 2021 date position this as a return to a subject Morris first explored in his 2018 Babylon By Van. At an edition of only 36, it is a genuinely limited photographic release. The Moab Entrada substrate is a respected archival stock, underscoring the print's fine-art positioning.
Collector Perspective
With just 36 impressions, Babylon By Van II is very scarce and appeals to collectors who value the low-run photographic side of Morris's output. Its relationship to the 2018 original invites pairing. Condition is paramount at this run size; verify edition numbering and paper integrity before purchase.
Historical Context
"Babylon" carries loaded meaning in Rastafarian and reggae vocabulary, signifying oppressive systems. Morris's original Babylon By Van stemmed from his Bob Marley documentation. This 2021 second edition revisits that imagery three years on, printed as a giclée to preserve photographic fidelity on archival Moab paper.
FAQ
How is this different from the 2018 Babylon By Van?
It is a 2021 second edition ("II") of the theme, on Moab Entrada paper in an edition of 36 rather than Moab Fine Art Rag.
Is it a screen print?
No, it is an archival pigment (giclée) print reproducing the photographic image.
How scarce is it?
Very scarce, with only 36 impressions.
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.