Gauntlet Gallery — Jamie Reid Print Index
God Save Us All
Summary
'God Save Us All' is a 2017 screen print, stained with red and blue, hand-distressed and folded, in an edition of 313 at 58 x 82 cm. Each is signed and numbered. The distressing and folding make every sheet physically distinct, extending Reid's 'God Save' phrasing into a broadened, universalised plea.
Why It Matters
The title reworks Reid's most famous 'God Save the Queen' formulation into 'God Save Us All,' widening the target from monarchy to a general condition. The hand-distressing and folding give each of the 313 impressions a worn, artifact-like quality. The edition size itself nods to the number 313 that recurs across this series.
Collector Perspective
The deliberate distressing and folding are intentional and central to the work, not damage, which buyers should understand before assessing condition. The large horizontal format is striking. Collectors should confirm signature and numbering and note the recurring 313 edition size shared with the companion 'Swastika Eyes' prints.
Historical Context
Reid's 'God Save' language is inseparable from the 1977 Sex Pistols single and its era of jubilee-year provocation. Expanding it to 'God Save Us All' in 2017 reframed that punk gesture for a moment of broad political anxiety. The hand-finishing links the edition to Reid's long interest in the ritual object.
FAQ
How is each print finished?
Stained with red and blue, then hand-distressed and folded, so each is distinct.
What is the edition size?
313, signed and numbered.
Is the distressing intentional?
Yes, the folding and distressing are deliberate features of the 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.