How to Build a Themed Jack Vettriano Collection

The simplest way to build a themed Jack Vettriano collection is to choose a thread that genuinely appeals to you, such as dance, night-time scenes, motorsport or a single published series, and add prints that follow it over time. A theme makes each new purchase easier to decide on and helps the finished collection hang together on the wall.

Why collect by theme?

Many collections start with a single print bought because someone loved it. The second and third purchases are where things get interesting. Without a plan, a collection can feel random. With a theme, each print adds to a bigger story.

A theme also helps with practical choices. It narrows down a large catalogue, gives you a reason to wait for the right piece, and makes it easier to plan wall space and budget.

Theme ideas

Jack Vettriano returned to certain subjects again and again. Here are some themes that work well, using prints we stock at the time of writing.

Dance and the ballroom

Dance is one of the most recognisable threads in his work. The Singing Butler, his most famous image, is available from us on a price on application basis.

For a dance theme at different price points, consider:

• Waltzers, an edition of 350 plus 35 Artist's Proofs, at £300 at the time of writing

• Queen of the Waltzers, an edition of 125 plus 15 Artist's Proofs

• greeting cards such as Dance Me to the End of Love and Anniversary Waltz, which make an affordable way to explore the subject

  
  

Night scenes and interiors

Many collectors are drawn to his moody, after-dark interiors. A collection built around the night could include Night Calls, Night In The City, Night-Time Rituals and Night Geometry. Grouping by title like this is a simple, playful way to give a wall a common mood.

Night Calls is published in an edition of 100 plus 10 Artist's Proofs, and we also hold an Artist's Proof, numbered 1/10, for collectors who want something a little scarcer.

Motorsport, speed and the sea

Jack Vettriano had a long association with speed and glamour. In 1996 Terence Conran commissioned seven Bluebird paintings for the Bluebird Gastrodome in London. Bluebird at Bonneville, an edition of 75 plus 7 Artist's Proofs, would be the natural centrepiece of a motorsport theme.

He also worked with Sir Jackie Stewart on a triptych celebrating Monaco in 1971. Sailing offers a related thread: The Tuiga Collection is a set of four prints made for the centenary of the yacht Tuiga, published in 2009 in an edition of 75 plus 7 Artist's Proofs.

Complete series

Some of the most satisfying collections are built around a published series, where the works belong together.

• The Betrayal trilogy. Betrayal – First Kiss, Betrayal – No Turning Back and Contemplation of Betrayal are each published in editions of 100 plus 10 Artist's Proofs.

• The Contemplation Series. The Contemplation Series was published in 2015 in an edition of 250 plus 25 Artist's Proofs.

• The Red Room Collection. The Red Room Collection is an edition of 150 plus 30 Artist's Proofs.

• The Tuiga Collection. As above, a set of four.

Collecting a series can be done all at once or piece by piece, depending on how each is sold. Ask us if you are unsure.

Pairing sizes

A themed collection does not need every print to be the same size, but it helps to think about how they will sit together.

• Pair similar sizes side by side. Two compact prints such as Lucky Seven (image 25 x 21 cm) and The Runaways (21 x 25 cm) make a neat pair.

• Anchor with one large piece. A larger print such as Exit Eden, with an image of 51.5 x 40.5 cm, can sit at the centre of a group of smaller works.

• Use matching frames. Consistent mounts and mouldings make prints of different sizes read as one collection.

• Keep a common centre line. Hanging a row so the centres align usually looks calmer than aligning the tops.

  
  

Pacing your budget

A theme is also a good way to spread spending. Rather than buying everything at once, some collectors add one print a year, or mark a birthday or anniversary with a new piece.

Some ways to make that easier:

• Start with an affordable edition or a set of greeting cards, then build up.

• Use Klarna or credit finance (subject to status) to spread the cost of a larger purchase. Our post on Klarna payment options explains how it works.

• Ask friends or family for a gift card towards your next print.

Remember that once an edition sells out from the publisher, examples are only available second-hand, and prices then reflect demand and scarcity. If a print is central to your theme, it may be worth prioritising it.

Keep good records

As your collection grows, keep each certificate of authenticity together with your receipts. Every print we sell comes with one. Note where each print hangs and when you bought it. These details are useful for insurance and, one day, for whoever inherits or buys your collection.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best theme for a first Jack Vettriano collection?

The best theme is the one you enjoy most. Dance is popular because there are options at many price points, from greeting cards to limited editions.

Can I mix limited and open editions in one collection?

Yes. Many people combine a few limited editions with open edition prints or cards. Just be clear about which is which, especially if you ever sell.

Do series prints have to be bought together?

It depends on the series and how it is sold. Some are sold as sets. Contact us and we will confirm the details for the series you are interested in.

How do I hang a themed collection?

Use matching frames, align the centres and leave even gaps between prints. Laying the frames out on the floor first is a simple way to test an arrangement.

Start your collection

Browse our limited edition Jack Vettriano prints to find the first piece in your theme. If you would like help planning a group of prints, we are always happy to talk it through.