Gauntlet Gallery — Jamie Reid Print Index
Bloody Empire (Red & Blue)
Summary
'Bloody Empire (Red & Blue)' is a 2022 silkscreen by Jamie Reid, editioned at 30 and printed large at 94.6 x 69.5 cm. The red-and-blue colourway plays on imperial and Union Jack associations, turning national iconography into a pointed critique through Reid's characteristic subversive hand.
Why It Matters
The very small edition of 30 places this among Reid's more limited screen prints. The imposing format gives the work commanding scale, and the 'Bloody Empire' title continues Reid's long interrogation of British nationalism and monarchy. It is a substantial, gallery-scale statement rather than a modest multiple.
Collector Perspective
An edition of 30 signals genuine scarcity for a screen print of this size. Collectors should weigh the large dimensions against framing and display logistics. Verify the Red & Blue colourway matches documentation, as the title series exists in multiple fluoro variants, and confirm signature and numbering.
Historical Context
Reid has spent his career detourning symbols of British authority, most famously the Queen. 'Bloody Empire' extends that project to the imperial idea itself, arriving in 2022 amid renewed debate over Britain's colonial past and the monarchy's place in national life.
FAQ
How limited is this edition?
Only 30 silkscreens were produced, making it scarce.
What colourway is this piece?
This is the Red & Blue variant of the 'Bloody Empire' series.
How large is the print?
It measures 94.6 x 69.5 cm, a large-format work.
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.