Gauntlet Gallery — Dennis Morris Print Index
Bob Marley (First Edition)
Summary
Bob Marley (First Edition) is a 2014 screen print at 18 x 24 inches in an edition of 450, signed by both Shepard Fairey and Dennis Morris. As a dual-signed collaboration built on Morris's firsthand Marley photography and Fairey's screen print craft, it is among the earlier releases in their joint body of work.
Why It Matters
The "First Edition" designation and 2014 date mark this as a foundational Marley collaboration between the two artists, predating later releases like Slave Driver. The dual signature carries authorship weight, and the edition of 450 keeps it moderately limited. It captures Marley through the photographer who knew him and the artist who reinterpreted him.
Collector Perspective
At 450 and dual-signed, this print offers documented collaboration provenance at a moderately scarce run. Its early place in the Morris–Fairey timeline appeals to collectors tracing that partnership. Verify both signatures and edition numbers; the "First Edition" title makes clean, well-preserved impressions particularly desirable.
Historical Context
Bob Marley remains reggae's most globally recognized figure, and Morris's 1970s photographs are central to his visual legacy. Shepard Fairey's screen prints reach a worldwide audience through OBEY. This 2014 collaboration is an early entry in their shared Marley catalog, uniting documentary source and contemporary printmaking.
FAQ
Who signed the print?
Both Shepard Fairey and Dennis Morris.
What is the edition size?
450 screen prints at 18 x 24 inches.
Why is it called First Edition?
It is an early 2014 release in the Morris–Fairey Marley collaboration, predating later prints.
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.