Picasso Prints

A duo of sublime Picasso sketch prints were in stock at the Hopkinson Art centre a few weeks ago and I have to admit I found them most interesting. Vintage interiors have exploded on to the design scene in the last few years, taking over from the futurist and minimalist trends of the early twenty first century. Today’s vogue encapsulates shabby chic, floral patterns and vintage collectables. Everywhere I look I see designers trying to recreate the retro ambience.

A key piece in the recreation of the vintage look is the use of vintage art. Prints can form the gateway to building a collection and discovering a personal style without breaking the bank. Throughout my University years I was the owner of a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” print which hung proudly on my wardrobe door. It may not have been the most individual artistic statement, but the iconic vintage image put me in the epicentre of the vintage phenomenon.

Returning back to my opening subject of Picasso’s sketches, these prints had got me thinking. In the economic situation as it is and the abundance of prints available at reasonable prices, what was the market outlook for the original vintage artwork? In a world where art is a luxury are there still buyers and is purchasing originals still a good investment?

It would appear that there is a thriving market for original pieces of art. If we just look at the Christies Auction of Picasso’s “Nude, Green Leaves and Bust” in New York on 2010, the piece sold for a staggering $106,482,500. In addition, Picasso’s Ceramic s “The Madoura Collection” sold only two months ago in June 2012 for more than four times the pre-sales expectations. Therefore, it would appear that vintage artwork is the perfect way not only to keep your house in vogue but also could prove to be a real investment opportunity.

Written by Victoria Hall