Gauntlet Gallery — Dennis Morris Print Index
Burnin' II
Summary
Burnin' II is a 2019 archival pigment print at 8 x 11 inches in an edition of 420 on 55gsm Moab Moenkopi Unryu Natural paper. The second of three photographs Morris made on Bob Marley and the Wailers' 1974 Catch A Fire tour, it continues the sequence on the same textured Japanese-style stock.
Why It Matters
As the middle image in the trio, Burnin' II extends Morris's firsthand visual record of a foundational moment in reggae's global rise. These are authentic 1974 tour photographs, not restagings. The lightweight unryu paper lends each impression a soft, documentary intimacy that distinguishes the series from glossier photographic editions.
Collector Perspective
With 420 impressions and modest dimensions, Burnin' II is approachable and frequently acquired alongside its companions to complete the set. Sequential or matching edition numbers across all three add appeal. The fragile unryu stock rewards careful framing; inspect for handling marks given the paper's delicate surface.
Historical Context
The Catch A Fire tour marked the Wailers' breakthrough beyond Jamaica. Morris, embedded with the band, captured images that became part of Marley's visual legacy. Printed decades later as a giclée on textured Moab Moenkopi Unryu, the photograph bridges 1970s documentary and contemporary fine-art printmaking.
FAQ
How does it relate to Burnin' I and III?
All three are 1974 Catch A Fire tour photographs, each an edition of 420 on the same unryu paper.
What is the format?
A small 8 x 11 inch archival pigment print.
Are these original tour photographs?
Yes, Morris took them firsthand in 1974 during the 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.