Gauntlet Gallery — Dennis Morris Print Index
Lady Soul
Summary
Lady Soul is a 2021 eleven-color screen print on 290gsm Coventry Rag fine art paper, released August 31 in an edition of 90 at 18 x 24 inches. The demanding eleven-color separation and heavyweight cotton-rag stock signal a deliberately crafted studio print rather than a quick photographic reproduction.
Why It Matters
The eleven-color build is the story here: each hue is a separate pull, making registration and consistency across 90 impressions technically ambitious. On premium Coventry Rag, the result carries archival gravity. This is Morris's photographic sensibility translated into a labor-intensive print medium, elevating a portrait into a collectible fine-art object.
Collector Perspective
An edition of 90 places Lady Soul firmly in scarce territory relative to the larger reggae runs. Collectors should prioritize impressions with clean registration across all eleven colors and unblemished rag paper. The small run and involved production make it attractive to those focused on printmaking craft as much as subject.
Historical Context
Coventry Rag is a 100% cotton archival paper favored for its longevity and tooth, common in serious limited-edition screen printing. Released in the same 2021 window as its companion soul-themed prints, Lady Soul reflects Morris's documentation of soul and Black music culture, rendered through the multi-layer screen process.
FAQ
How many colors are in the print?
Eleven, each requiring a separate screen pass, which is technically demanding across a full edition.
What paper is used?
290gsm Coventry Rag, a heavyweight archival cotton-rag fine art paper.
How large is the edition?
90, making it one of the scarcer prints in this group.
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.