Limited Edition vs Open Edition vs Artist Proof — What's the Difference?

When you start collecting Jack Vettriano prints, you'll quickly encounter three important terms: limited edition, open edition, and artist proof. These distinctions matter enormously — not just for what you're buying today, but for the long-term value and collectibility of your print. Here's what each one means, and why it should inform every purchasing decision you make.

What Is an Open Edition Print?

An open edition is a print produced without a fixed ceiling on the number of copies. The publisher can continue printing for as long as demand exists — which means the total number of copies in circulation is potentially unlimited.

Open edition prints are often the most affordable way into the world of art prints, and they can be a wonderful way to enjoy a beloved image at an accessible price point. However, because scarcity is absent, they rarely appreciate in value over time. For serious collectors looking to build a collection with lasting worth, open editions are seldom the primary focus.

What Is a Limited Edition Print?

A limited edition print is produced in a strictly controlled number known as the edition size. Once that quota has been reached, the plates or digital files are retired and no further copies can ever be produced. Each print is individually numbered — for example, 45/125 indicates the 45th print from a total run of 125.

Jack Vettriano's limited editions are typically signed by the artist in the lower right corner of the print, with the edition number recorded in the lower left. Edition sizes vary from print to print — some runs are as small as 50, while others extend to 175 or more. As a general rule, the smaller the edition size, the greater the collector interest and the stronger the potential for long-term value.

Most Jack Vettriano limited editions are produced on high-quality materials such as 300gsm museum etching paper, or in a premium giclee format hand-embellished with multiple coats of lacquer for a satin finish. Each print comes with a Certificate of Authenticity confirming the edition number, total run, and the artist's signature.

What Is a Jack Vettriano Artist Proof?

An artist proof — often abbreviated to AP — is a category of print that sits above the standard limited edition. The tradition dates back to the days of printmaking, when a small number of impressions were set aside for the artist to review and approve the quality of the edition before the main run was released. Today, artist proofs are produced alongside the main edition and released to collectors, but the distinction — and the prestige — very much remains.

Jack Vettriano artist proofs are produced in significantly smaller quantities than the standard edition. A typical release might be structured as 125 limited editions plus 15 artist proofs, written as 125 + 15 AP. Artist proofs are numbered separately within their own sequence — you'll see notations such as AP 5/15 rather than a number drawn from the main edition run.

Because artist proofs exist in far smaller numbers than the standard edition, they are considered more exclusive and are generally more sought-after by serious collectors. Following Jack Vettriano's passing in March 2025, that scarcity has become permanent. No further prints of any kind can be authorised — making existing artist proofs a finite resource that will never increase in supply.

How Edition Size Affects Value

The relationship between edition size and long-term value is straightforward: scarcity drives desirability. When a collector considers two prints of the same subject — one from a run of 175, another a Jack Vettriano artist proof from a run of 15 — the artist proof will typically command a considerable premium.

Other factors that influence the long-term value of a print include:

• The subject matter — Vettriano's most iconic compositions, such as The Singing Butler, Mad Dogs, and The Missing Man II, attract the strongest collector demand

• The condition and presentation of the print, including framing

• Whether the print is accompanied by its original Certificate of Authenticity

• The provenance and purchase history of the piece

For collectors focused on building a collection with lasting significance, artist proofs from small-run editions represent the upper tier of the available market.

So Which Should You Buy?

The honest answer depends on your priorities as a collector. If you're drawn to a particular painting and want to enjoy it on your wall, a standard limited edition is a beautiful, high-quality piece that most collectors would be proud to own. If you're thinking about long-term collectibility — and owning something that very few other people in the world possess — a Jack Vettriano artist proof is the more significant acquisition.

Either way, authenticity matters. Always ensure your print comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, and purchase from a reputable, authorised stockist of Jack Vettriano prints.

Browse Our Collection of Limited Editions and Artist Proofs

At Jack Vettriano Studio, we hold a carefully curated selection of signed limited editions and artist proofs — including some of the final prints released before Jack Vettriano's passing. If you're looking to add a significant piece to your collection, we'd love to help you find the right one. Browse our current selection in the shop, or get in touch if you're looking for a specific edition or would like more information about what's available.