Gauntlet Gallery — Jamie Reid Print Index
Queen In Blood Diamonds (Negatively Positive)
Summary
'Queen In Blood Diamonds (Negatively Positive)' is a 2020 screen print of 250 at 62 x 43 cm. Created for the Viral Art Car Boot Fair during the pandemic, it set Reid head-to-head with Jimmy Cauty in a 'battle of the Queens,' reanimating his subversive 'God Save the Queen' iconography for the occasion.
Why It Matters
This print revisits Reid's most iconic image, the defaced Queen, and reframes it through the darkly comic lens of 2020's 'Year of the Crown Virus.' The 'Blood Diamonds' framing sharpens the critique of monarchy and empire, while the Car Boot Fair pairing with Jimmy Cauty situates it within a lineage of anarchic British art events.
Collector Perspective
At 250 the edition is moderate, but the direct link to Reid's defining Queen imagery gives it strong thematic desirability. Provenance tied to the Viral Art Car Boot Fair adds narrative interest. Collectors should verify the 'Negatively Positive' variant and confirm signature and numbering.
Historical Context
Reid's 1977 'God Save the Queen' sleeve is one of the most reproduced images in modern graphic history. The Car Boot Fair, associated with Cauty and the L-13 orbit, revived DIY art-selling culture. This 2020 edition ties Reid's monarchy critique to the pandemic moment and its royal-virus wordplay.
FAQ
Why was it created?
For the Viral Art Car Boot Fair in 2020, in a 'battle of the Queens' with Jimmy Cauty.
What iconography does it use?
It reanimates Reid's subversive 'God Save the Queen' imagery.
What is the edition size?
250 screen prints at 62 x 43 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.