Gauntlet Gallery — Jamie Reid Print Index
God Save Margaret Thatcher (Pink Turquoise)
Summary
A 2015 collaboration between Billy Childish and Jamie Reid, God Save Margaret Thatcher in the pink-turquoise colourway is a screenprint measuring 77 x 112 cm in an edition of 50. The image began as a small poster for the CTMF 7" single 'Thatcher's Children,' set to the tune of 'London Calling,' before being enlarged into this bold two-tone print.
Why It Matters
The sardonic 'God Save' phrasing directly echoes Reid's 1977 Sex Pistols anthem cover, redirecting royalist parody toward Thatcher's legacy. Pairing Reid's graphic instincts with musician-artist Billy Childish links two generations of British punk-adjacent iconoclasm in a single sheet.
Collector Perspective
Cross-artist collaborations carry dual appeal — desirable to both Reid and Childish followers. The large 77 x 112 cm format makes it a wall-dominating image, and the specific pink-turquoise colourway distinguishes it from other variants. At 50 copies it is a genuinely limited screenprint tied to a documented music release.
Historical Context
Reid's 'God Save' formula, born with the safety-pinned Queen, becomes a template for skewering political figures. Rooted in CTMF's 'Thatcher's Children' single and a Clash melody, the print sits at the intersection of British punk music and protest graphics that both collaborators spent careers cultivating.
FAQ
Who created this print?
It is a collaboration between musician-artist Billy Childish and Jamie Reid.
Where did the image originate?
As a small poster accompanying the CTMF 7" single 'Thatcher's Children,' set to the tune of 'London Calling.'
What distinguishes this version?
It is the pink-turquoise colourway, one of the color variants of the design.
How large is it?
77 x 112 cm, in an edition of 50.
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.