Gauntlet Gallery — Jamie Reid Print Index
Be Reasonable
Summary
'Be Reasonable' is a 2016 screen print in an edition of 375 at 24 x 18 inches. It belongs to a series accompanied by Reid's recollection of hearing 'Never Mind the Bollocks' as a fourteen-year-old skateboarder, a moment he credits with changing his life. The slogan works as ironic, deadpan agitation.
Why It Matters
The phrase 'Be Reasonable' carries the Situationist echo of the 1968 slogan 'Be realistic, demand the impossible,' turning apparent moderation into provocation. As a 2016 screen print of 375, it offers an accessible example of Reid's slogan-driven work, paired with a companion 'Suburban Pressure' print from the same series.
Collector Perspective
At 375 this is a more available edition, suiting collectors seeking an entry-level Reid screen print. It pairs with 'Suburban Pressure' as a matched set. The imperial-inch sizing distinguishes it from Reid's metric editions. Confirm signature and numbering and inspect ink coverage on the flat fields.
Historical Context
The accompanying text ties the work to Reid's punk origin story and the Sex Pistols' catalytic effect on him. 'Suburban Pressure' was also the name of Reid's 1970s Croydon-based Suburban Press. The phrasing draws on the Situationist rhetoric of May 1968 that shaped his whole approach to slogans.
FAQ
What is the edition size?
375 screen prints at 24 x 18 inches.
What is its companion piece?
'Suburban Pressure,' from the same 2016 series.
What inspired the accompanying text?
Reid's memory of hearing the Sex Pistols as a fourteen-year-old skateboarder.
About the Artist
Jamie Reid (1947–2023) was a British artist best known for creating the visual identity of the Sex Pistols and the punk movement. His ransom-note lettering, cut-and-paste collage, and defaced imagery, including the safety-pinned Queen for "God Save the Queen" (1977), became defining icons of punk graphic design. Rooted in the Situationist and anarchist traditions, Reid produced record sleeves, posters, and political art across a five-decade career. His work is held in major collections and remains among the most recognizable and influential graphic art of the twentieth century.
Collecting Jamie Reid at Gauntlet Gallery
What should I look for when buying Jamie Reid work?
Distinguish original 1970s printed ephemera (record sleeves, posters, flyers) from later signed limited-edition prints and screen prints. Original period pieces are prized for their historical role but vary widely in condition; later editions are typically signed and numbered. Gauntlet Gallery documents the era, format, and edition details of each Reid piece so buyers understand exactly what they are acquiring.
How is a Jamie Reid piece authenticated?
Authentication relies on provenance, the hand signature on later editions, publisher or estate documentation, and comparison to known published works. Given the volume of reproductions of iconic punk imagery, distinguishing an authorized signed edition or original period print from a later poster reprint is essential. Gauntlet Gallery provides the supporting paperwork and provenance available for each work.
What drives value in Jamie Reid's work?
Historical significance is the primary driver, with original 1976–1978 punk-era material and Sex Pistols-related pieces commanding the strongest interest. Signature, edition size, condition, and direct ties to landmark releases all affect price. Documented original ephemera and signed low-edition prints in good condition hold value best.