Gauntlet Gallery — Jamie Reid Print Index
The Evil Ones
Summary
The Evil Ones is a 2004 Jamie Reid work, an inkjet giclée printed on screwed-up newsprint in an edition of 50, measuring 45 x 31 cm, signed and numbered by the artist. The deliberately crumpled newsprint support makes each impression a tactile, near-unique object.
Why It Matters
Printing on screwed-up newsprint is a pointed material choice — cheap, disposable media elevated into fine art, echoing Reid's lifelong disdain for polish and authority. The technique physically embodies his aesthetic of decay and dissent, turning the substrate itself into part of the message.
Collector Perspective
The crumpled newsprint means condition and texture vary between copies, so each of the 50 impressions differs subtly. Collectors should treat the distressed surface as intended, not damaged. Signed and numbered, at a compact 45 x 31 cm, it is a distinctive, materially unusual piece in Reid's catalogue.
Historical Context
Newsprint and torn media were core to Reid's ransom-note visual language from the punk era onward. The Evil Ones, made in 2004, applies that sensibility to a fine-art edition, reflecting his continued interest in the ephemeral, throwaway materials of tabloid and street culture.
FAQ
What is it printed on?
An inkjet giclée on deliberately screwed-up newsprint, making each impression tactile and individual.
How many were made?
An edition of 50, signed and numbered by the artist.
Is the crumpling intentional?
Yes, the screwed-up newsprint is a deliberate part of the work, not damage.
What size is it?
45 x 31 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.