Gauntlet Gallery — Jamie Reid Print Index
John Wayne - Peace Is Tough (2018 Signed Edition)
Summary
'John Wayne - Peace Is Tough' is a 2018 reissue of Reid's original artwork from the early 1990s, produced as an archival reproduction print on heavy matt stock. This Signed Edition numbers 50 at 78.5 x 61 cm, each signed and numbered, bringing a classic Reid composition to a new generation of collectors.
Why It Matters
The work revives one of Reid's signature 1990s images, pairing the John Wayne archetype of American machismo with his 'Peace Is Tough' slogan. As a large, signed reissue of 50, it lets collectors acquire a historically significant composition in authorised form, bridging Reid's earlier career and his later L-13 output.
Collector Perspective
Buyers should understand this is a 2018 archival reissue, not an original 1990s print, which shapes its place in a collection. The signed edition of 50 is the more limited tier versus the pop edition. The large matt-stock format frames well; confirm signature, numbering, and edition tier.
Historical Context
John Wayne long symbolised a mythologised American masculinity and militarism, a natural target for Reid's pacifist satire. The original dates from the early 1990s, a period of Reid's mature slogan work. Reissuing it in 2018 reasserted its relevance amid renewed debates over American power and the gun-and-flag ethos.
FAQ
Is this an original or a reissue?
A 2018 archival reproduction of Reid's early-1990s artwork.
Which edition is this?
The Signed Edition, an edition of 50.
What is the format?
Archival print on heavy matt stock, 78.5 x 61 cm.
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.