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Investent gains in SUMO have reached 200% in only four years! |
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Why are Limited Editions brought out?
Limited editions are typically made when the artist or their estate decides that it is time to produce a book that will stand the test of time, or when a special collection of work is presented. They eventually go out of print, never to return.
Why are they expensive?
A photographic book that you buy in the typical bookshop will not be 'archival', that is to say, the materials that go into making the book will begin to acidify from the moment it is finished. The books will last some time, but you will see a gradual yellowing of the pages over time, much as a typical newspaper goes yellow in the light.
An archival limited edition is usually made with the finest materials and will be finished by hand rather than by machine. In addition the use of a slip case or box protect the book from damage.
What is the market for Limited editions?
It is very strong, particularly in the editions of very well know photographers like Brandt. A lot of limited edition never see the market again so you may rest assured that the number circulating is small. Many editions go straight to the Special Collection divisions of major libraries. You can expect to see your investment double or treble quite soon.
SUMO by Helmut Newton.
The best example was produced in 1999, the book was produced in a 'limited' quantity of 10,000 and came with a special table designed by Philippe Starck, and shipped in a custom designed, stamped protective crate. A little overkill one might think?
It was originally $1,500 and now sells for $5,000 ! That's a 200% investment gain in only four years! - and this for a book produced in what is really a commercial quantity of 10,000.
Bill Brandt's A New Perspective
