Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Ammonium Sulfamate
Summary
Ammonium Sulfamate is a 2012 woodcut spot from Manifold Editions in an edition of 55, with a 6 x 6 inch sheet size. A two-inch spot executed as a hand-cut woodcut, it shares its compact square format with other small entries in Hirst's woodcut spot series and takes its title from a chemical compound.
Why It Matters
At 6 x 6 inches, Ammonium Sulfamate distils the spot to its essentials: a single circle of pure colour in a tight square field. The woodcut process gives the print a tactile grain, and the edition of 55 makes it a scarce, fully hand-editioned work rather than a large open-run screenprint.
Collector Perspective
The small square format makes this an easy-to-place, entry-scale example of Hirst's spots in the woodcut medium. It slots naturally alongside Nifedipine and other 6 x 6 inch prints for collectors assembling a matched grouping. Confirm front signature and verso numbering, and prioritise a bright sheet with clean, unhandled corners.
Historical Context
The title continues Hirst's convention of naming spots after chemical and pharmacological compounds, keeping the vivid colour field tethered to his themes of science, medicine and decay. Manifold Editions' woodcut spots translate a motif from Hirst's collaborative paintings into the slower, relief-based tradition of woodblock printing.
FAQ
What are the dimensions?
It is a two-inch woodcut spot on a 6 x 6 inch square sheet.
How many were produced?
It was published by Manifold Editions in an edition of 55 in 2012.
What does the title reference?
It is named after a chemical compound, in keeping with Hirst's practice of titling spots after pharmacological and chemical substances.
Does it pair with other prints?
Its 6 x 6 inch format matches other small woodcut spots such as Nifedipine, making it well suited to a matched grouping.
About the Artist
Damien Hirst (born 1965, Bristol) is a British artist and the most prominent figure of the Young British Artists (YBAs). Rising to fame in the late 1980s and 1990s, he built a practice around mortality, science, religion, and beauty — from formaldehyde-preserved animals to his Spot, Spin, and Butterfly (Kaleidoscope) series. Hirst is also one of the most prolific printmakers in contemporary art, releasing extensive signed editions through his own science-led studio and, more recently, the HENI imprint. His work has commanded record prices and defined the market for blue-chip contemporary editions.
Collecting Damien Hirst at Gauntlet Gallery
Which Damien Hirst prints should I collect?
Signed, numbered editions from his signature series — Spots, Butterflies/Kaleidoscope, Spins, Cherry Blossoms, and skull works — are the collectible core. Look for strong condition and the artist's pencil signature. Gauntlet Gallery prioritizes complete, well-documented impressions.
How is a Hirst print authenticated?
We sell Hirst works with documented provenance and the edition's signature and numbering; many carry HENI or studio documentation. Each piece is photographed exactly as it ships, including signature and edition details.
What drives value?
Series and image (iconic Spots and Butterflies lead), edition size, format and scale, condition, and provenance all drive value. Hand-signed, low-numbered, and diamond-dust or foilblock works command premiums.