Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Controlled Substances Key Spot Print
Work Summary & Collector Notes
The Controlled Substances Key Spot Print is a 2012 silkscreen by Damien Hirst, published by Other Criteria in an edition of 150. Distinguished by a glaze and a debossed edge, it measures 50.6 x 49 cm. Conceived as the anchor of the Controlled Substances group, it is designed to pair with the Meprobamate and Phendimetrazine spot prints, and is signed and numbered.
Collector notes: The saved release record describes: Edition of 150 (for each of the two Controlled Substances Spot Prints). The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition.
Why It Matters
As the "key" print, this work is the organizing centre of the Controlled Substances set, meant to be shown alongside its named companion prints. Its debossed edge is a distinctive physical feature not found on every spot print. It offers collectors a defined, curated grouping rather than a single isolated image, deepening the pharmaceutical concept.
Collector Perspective
The compact, near-square format and edition of 150 make this an accessible spot print, and its role as the set's anchor gives it collecting logic beyond the standalone image. The debossed edge and glaze reward close, in-hand inspection and careful framing. Collectors building the full set should confirm which companion prints they intend to pair, and verify signature and numbering.
Historical Context
Hirst's spot works, begun in 1988, follow the no-repeated-colour rule and were extended into editioned prints through Other Criteria. The Controlled Substances group, released around 2012, ties its prints to named pharmaceuticals and is built around this key print. The debossed edge reflects Other Criteria's attention to finish and physical detail across the series.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned screenprint
- Release date
- 2012
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release year from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Medium and materials
- Screen Print; catalog dimensions 50.6 x 49 cm; Silkscreen print with glaze and debossed edge.
- Edition details
- The saved release record describes: Edition of 150 (for each of the two Controlled Substances Spot Prints).
- Signature and marks
- The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition.
Documented History and Meaning
History note: This page treats Damien Hirst's broader career as background context, not proof that this specific edition belongs to any single exhibition or event. Release-level facts here come from a saved secondary catalog record.
Meaning / interpretation: Read as documented context rather than stated intent: Hirst's spot works, begun in 1988, follow the no-repeated-colour rule and were extended into editioned prints through Other Criteria. This is an interpretive reading of the release context, not a statement of the artist's intent for this specific work. This interpretive note follows the cited artist or publisher context.
Release context: The saved catalog lists 2012 and attributes the edition to Other Criteria.
Authentication, Presentation and Provenance
- Original presentation
- Original packaging or presentation was not documented in the release sources reviewed.
- Authentication note
- Compare the support, dimensions, edition number, and signature against a documented example of this edition. Gauntlet Gallery does not authenticate works purchased from third parties.
- Provenance note
- Edition origin is attributed in the saved record to Other Criteria. That does not establish the ownership history of an individual copy: retain the original invoice, reseller or gallery paperwork, labels, correspondence, and condition photographs.
Sources and Verification
Verification status: Secondary catalog snapshot; artist-level context added
- Saved release record — Art Collectorz · secondary catalog snapshot · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Starting record for title, year, edition, dimensions, medium, and release description. Primary confirmation against the original release page remains pending.
- Damien Hirst — official site — Damien Hirst studio (Science Ltd.) · primary artist source · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Official artist site; career context, not an individual-edition record.
- Damien Hirst — Wikipedia · reference encyclopedia · Accessed 2026-07-13 · General artist-level biographical and career reference.
- Damien Hirst (Q294326) — Wikidata · reference knowledge base · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Structured identifier used for the artist across catalog metadata.
FAQ
What is a 'key' spot print?
It is the anchor image of the Controlled Substances group, designed to be shown with the companion Meprobamate and Phendimetrazine spot prints.
What is the debossed edge?
A recessed border pressed into the paper, a distinctive finishing feature of this print.
How large is the edition?
It was issued in an edition of 150, each signed and numbered.
Can it be bought alone?
Yes, it can be acquired on its own or paired with the other Controlled Substances spot prints.
