Gauntlet Gallery — Dennis Morris Print Index
Burnin' I
Summary
Burnin' I is a 2019 archival pigment print at 8 x 11 inches in an edition of 420, printed on 55gsm Moab Moenkopi Unryu Natural fine art paper. It is the first of three photographs Morris took in 1974 on Bob Marley and the Wailers' Catch A Fire tour, presented on a distinctive lightweight Japanese-style unryu stock.
Why It Matters
These are firsthand 1974 tour images by a photographer who was inside Marley's world, not a later reinterpretation. The Moenkopi Unryu paper, with its visible fiber and delicate weight, gives the print a handmade, intimate character suited to documentary work. As part one of a trio, it opens a sequential narrative of the tour.
Collector Perspective
At an edition of 420 and a small 8 x 11 format, Burnin' I is the accessible, collectable-in-depth end of Morris's Marley work. Collectors often seek all three Burnin' images as a set. The unusual unryu paper is a talking point but is delicate, so handling and framing history matter to condition.
Historical Context
The 1974 Catch A Fire tour was pivotal in introducing the Wailers to international audiences. Morris's access produced some of the most enduring images of early Marley. Moab Moenkopi Unryu is a washi-inspired paper prized for texture, connecting this documentary photograph to Japanese fine-art printing traditions.
FAQ
When were the photographs taken?
In 1974, on Bob Marley and the Wailers' Catch A Fire tour.
What paper is it printed on?
55gsm Moab Moenkopi Unryu Natural, a lightweight textured Japanese-style fine art paper.
Is it part of a set?
Yes, it is the first of three Burnin' images from the same tour.
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.