Gauntlet Gallery — Jamie Reid Print Index
Bullingdon Bully Boris In The Riot Club (Signed Edition For The Elite)
Summary
'Bullingdon Bully Boris In The Riot Club' is a 2020 giclee by Jamie Reid, offered here as the Signed Edition For The Elite: an edition of 50 at 77 x 61 cm, signed and numbered. The work skewers Boris Johnson through the notorious Bullingdon Club, wielding Reid's collage-satire against establishment privilege.
Why It Matters
A large, directly political portrait-satire, this print takes aim at a sitting Prime Minister and the elite institutions that produced him. The 'For The Elite' signed edition of 50 is the more limited of the two tiers. It exemplifies Reid's habit of turning contemporary political figures into targets of graphic derision.
Collector Perspective
The signed edition of 50 is scarcer than the accompanying pop edition, and its large format gives it real presence. Collectors should confirm they hold the 'For The Elite' tier rather than the larger run. Topical political prints like this carry strong subject-matter appeal; verify signature and numbering.
Historical Context
The Bullingdon Club is an Oxford dining society long synonymous with wealthy excess, and both Johnson and David Cameron were members. 'The Riot Club' references the club's culture directly. Produced in 2020, the print channels Reid's punk-era anti-establishment stance into a pointed comment on class and power.
FAQ
Which edition is this?
The Signed Edition For The Elite, an edition of 50.
What is the subject?
Boris Johnson and the Bullingdon Club, framed as 'The Riot Club.'
What are the dimensions?
77 x 61 cm, signed and numbered by the artist.
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.