Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Proctolin
Summary
"Proctolin" is a Damien Hirst spot screenprint, 758 x 953 mm, produced as a silkscreen with bronze glitter in a signed and numbered edition of 150. Assembled from 24 colors over a white, bronze and glaze underprint, it belongs to the vivid metallic wing of Hirst's signature Spot series.
Why It Matters
The bronze glitter finish gives "Proctolin" a shifting, reflective texture that plays against the smooth purity of the spot colors. This contrast is the point of the metallic spot prints, which showcase how far Hirst can push the format's boldness and impact while keeping the underlying grid intact and instantly recognizable.
Collector Perspective
The edition of 150 makes it more accessible than Hirst's small-edition gold-leaf or etching works, while the bronze glitter treatment distinguishes it from plain spot prints. The 24-color build is a technical highlight. Collectors should verify the signature, edition number and Other Criteria provenance, and check the glitter layer, which can be prone to handling wear.
Historical Context
Since the late 1980s, Hirst's Spot paintings have functioned as a systematic exercise in color arranged on a regular grid, titled after chemical and pharmaceutical compounds; proctolin is a neuropeptide. The metallic and glitter spot prints represent a later, more decorative and materially experimental phase of this long-running body of work.
FAQ
What finish does "Proctolin" have?
It is a silkscreen with bronze glitter, built from 24 colors over a white, bronze and glaze underprint.
What is the edition size?
An edition of 150, signed and numbered.
What are its dimensions?
758 x 953 mm.
Where does the title come from?
Like other spot works, it is named after a chemical compound, following the series' naming convention.
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.