Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Meprobamate (First edition)
Summary
Meprobamate is a silkscreen print with glaze, published by Other Criteria in an edition of 150, signed and numbered. It has a print size of 700 x 940mm and a framed size of 746 x 986mm. The title names a pharmaceutical compound, in keeping with Hirst's spot naming system.
Why It Matters
The added glaze layer over the silkscreen gives Meprobamate a finished sheen that distinguishes it from a flat print, echoing the surface interest of Hirst's foilblock and glazed editions. Its larger 700 x 940mm scale and edition of 150 make it a substantial yet more widely available spot work.
Collector Perspective
The edition of 150 is larger than the woodcut spots, placing this at a more accessible tier while still hand-signed. Collectors should verify the Other Criteria publishing line, the pencil signature and numbering, and the integrity of the glaze surface, which is more prone to marking than a plain screenprint.
Historical Context
Silkscreen has long been Hirst's most-used spot print medium, and the glaze finish reflects his consistent interest in surface and light. Published by Other Criteria, Meprobamate exemplifies the studio's large-format, glazed screenprint editions that carried the spot motif to a broader collector base.
FAQ
What is the medium?
A silkscreen print with a glaze layer, signed and numbered.
How large is the edition?
150 impressions, larger than Hirst's woodcut spot editions.
What are the dimensions?
The print is 700 x 940mm; framed it measures 746 x 986mm.
What does the glaze add?
It gives the screenprint a reflective surface finish, but is more susceptible to marking, so surface condition matters.
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.