Description

This cancelled, steel-backed, polymer photogravure printing plate was used in the production of the printed editions.  Traditionally plates no longer used for an edition are “struck”, or cancelled, by carving an X through the middle so it won’t inadvertently get printed from again. Unlike etched copper plates in traditional printmaking, these plates are not archive-quality, nor can they be effectively reprinted again.

In this case, we’ve treated the plate a UV varnish to help preserve and protect the polymer plastic layer, and plug the microscopic pits making up the image, that could otherwise hold ink and allow it to be reprinted.  The reflective quality of the plate makes it an excellent conversation piece, but alas, they are not archival quality (unlike our awesome prints that are archival)! Customers of these unique, handmade, printmaking relics of the trade should understand they are NOT guaranteed to last. The polymer layer can separate from the steel over time, and crack under extended periods of dry climate exposure.  They can, however, be framed like most other pieces of art, to help show off the work in a way that matches your decor, while enhancing life of the piece.

Plate Details:

Year of Photograph: 1981
Year of this Plate: 2021
Plate size: ~ 11 x 15 inches