John Lennon Serigraph Titled Starting Over

John Lennon’s visual art has an enduring audience, and limited edition prints issued by the estate continue to circulate in galleries and on the secondary market. Among them you may encounter a serigraph often cataloged as “Starting Over”—a title that nods to Lennon’s 1980 hit. For appraisers and collectors, the challenge is to distinguish estate-authorized screenprints from later reproductions, to read the edition markings correctly, and to understand where such pieces sit in the broader market for Lennon’s prints.

This guide explains how to identify and evaluate a John Lennon serigraph titled Starting Over, what to expect in terms of edition features and condition, and how to structure your appraisal notes.

Context: Lennon’s drawings, estate editions, and “Starting Over”

• Lennon as draftsman: Beyond his musical legacy, Lennon made simple, economical line drawings—humorous, intimate, and often autobiographical. The best-known prints from his lifetime are the 1970 “Bag One” lithographs. After his death in 1980, the estate authorized additional limited editions derived from his drawings.

• Estate-published prints: Authorized Lennon prints have frequently been issued under Bag One Arts, the company created to manage and publish John Lennon’s artwork. These editions include lithographs, serigraphs (screenprints), and occasionally etchings or giclée reproductions. Edition sizes and production methods vary by title and year.

• “Starting Over” as a print: Works circulated under the title Starting Over are generally estate-authorized prints based on Lennon’s characteristic self-portrait line style or a related drawing theme associated with renewal and partnership. Because Lennon died in 1980—the same year the song was released—any print specifically titled Starting Over should not bear a genuine hand-signature by John Lennon executed after that date. When you see claims of “hand-signed by John Lennon” on a Starting Over serigraph, proceed with skepticism and require strong, verifiable documentation.

• Expect variations: The title Starting Over may appear on the certificate, in a colophon, or as a dealer’s convention. Some impressions carry a printed signature within the image (facsimile), some are estate-signed (e.g., by Yoko Ono), and some are only numbered with a publisher’s blindstamp. Always verify the exact wording and marks on your specific example.

Anatomy of an authentic Lennon serigraph

While details depend on the specific edition, most legitimate Lennon serigraphs share a common set of edition indicators. Systematically confirm the following:

• Image and medium

  • Medium: Serigraph/screenprint. Look for discrete, flat color layers and the characteristic edge and surface of silkscreen ink, especially in darker lines.
  • Paper: Quality rag paper is typical—often Arches, Rives BFK, or Somerset, with or without deckled edges. Paper weight is commonly in the 250–300 gsm range.

• Signature and inscriptions

  • Artist signature: For estate-issued prints, John Lennon’s “signature” is typically reproduced as part of the image or not present at all. Genuine post-1980 pencil signatures by Lennon do not exist.
  • Estate/publisher signature: Some editions are hand-signed in pencil by Yoko Ono; others are only numbered and carry a publisher’s blindstamp or embossed seal.
  • Title: “Starting Over” may be pencil-titled in the lower margin, printed on the verso, or documented only on the COA. Absence of a pencil title is not disqualifying.

• Numbering

  • Standard numbering format: Arabic numerals as “123/300,” “50/200,” etc., typically at lower left or right margin. Expect additional non-commercial impressions like AP (Artist’s Proof), PP (Printer’s Proof), HC (Hors Commerce), and EA (Épreuve d’Artiste).
  • Edition size: Estate editions often range from low hundreds to a few hundred; large open or poster editions exist as well and are generally not serigraphs.

• Blindstamps and chops

  • Publisher’s blindstamp: Bag One Arts or a related estate/publisher blindstamp is common. The stamp is usually a colorless embossed mark impressed into the paper, often near the lower margin.
  • Printer’s chop: A separate printer’s chop (embossed symbol or initials) may appear, indicating the workshop that executed the screenprinting.

• Documentation

  • COA: A certificate of authenticity from Bag One Arts or the issuing gallery, specifying medium (serigraph), edition size, number, image/sheet dimensions, and title.
  • Provenance: Dealer invoices, exhibition labels, or gallery stickers support authenticity. Note any matching inventory numbers between COA and verso labels.

Distinguishing a true serigraph from reproductions

The print market is rife with high-quality reproductions. Confirming that your Starting Over is a genuine serigraph rather than an offset lithograph or inkjet reproduction will materially affect value.

• Under magnification (10x–15x)

  • Serigraph: Solid, uniform color areas with sharply bounded edges. No CMYK rosette pattern. Layering may produce slight relief where inks overlap.
  • Offset lithograph: Visible CMYK halftone dots arranged in rosettes, even in black linework.
  • Inkjet (giclée): Dithered or sprayed dot patterns, often with microscopic overspray and no ink relief.

• Surface and edge clues

  • Ink relief: You can sometimes feel slight raised ink in serigraph lines with a fingertip (do this gently and only with gloves).
  • Registration: Minor registration shifts (a hairline misalignment between color layers) can be consistent with screenprinting.
  • Paper edge: Deckled edges and a tactile rag feel are typical for fine art serigraphs; poster-grade paper suggests offset.

• Backlight test

  • Hold the sheet to a safe light source: you should not see a uniform printed “cast” bleeding through as on thin poster stock. Cotton rag paper blocks light more thoroughly.

• Labels and language

  • Beware ambiguous terms: “Litho,” “lithograph,” “offset,” and “print” are not interchangeable. Ensure “serigraph” or “screenprint” is explicitly stated on the COA or colophon.

Condition factors that move the needle

Condition is a core driver of value for Lennon prints. Note issues clearly and quantify where possible.

• Light exposure and fading

  • Screenprint inks typically have decent lightfastness, but pigment fade can occur, especially with prolonged UV exposure. Compare areas under former mat windows with protected margins.

• Mat burn and acid migration

  • Brown halos at the mat window or along the edges indicate acidic framing materials. Check the verso for tape stains, brittle paper, or foxing.

• Ink scuffs and surface abrasion

  • Serigraph surfaces can scuff, especially on flat, dark fields. Look for rubs at the image plane, particularly if the print was framed without spacers.

• Handling: creases, dents, cockling

  • Diagonal corner creases, edge waves, or handling dents reduce value; measure length and location precisely.

• Structural issues

  • Tears, losses, or punctures near the margins are serious but sometimes restorable. Note any conservation treatments and whether they were archival.

• Mounting and adhesives

  • Pressure-sensitive tapes (cellophane, masking) cause staining; Japanese hinges with wheat starch paste are preferred. Identify hinge types and placement.

• Odor and environment

  • Musty odors suggest prior moisture exposure; check for tidelines or mold.

Include exact image and sheet dimensions, measured to the nearest millimeter or 1/16 inch, and document the location of all marks (signature, numbering, chops) precisely.

Market positioning and valuation thinking

The Lennon print market is stratified:

• Top tier: 1970 “Bag One” lithographs hand-signed by John Lennon and published in his lifetime. These command a premium for direct artist autograph and early date.

• Mid tier: Estate-authorized limited editions (including many serigraphs) based on Lennon’s drawings, typically issued in the 1990s–2000s. Values are sensitive to edition size, desirability of the image, and whether there is an estate signature or special chop.

• Lower tier: Open-edition posters, offset reproductions, and later giclées. These can be visually appealing but are kept in check by wide availability.

Where does a serigraph titled Starting Over fall? Generally within the mid tier, assuming:

• It is a true serigraph on rag paper,
• Published by or with the authorization of Bag One Arts or the Lennon Estate,
• Properly numbered and accompanied by credible documentation.

Expect price variability based on:

• Edition size and proof counts,
• Presence/absence of estate signature,
• Condition and quality of framing,
• Provenance and current demand for the specific image.

For a current value opinion, assemble recent, closely comparable sales of the same edition number (or at least the same edition and state), note venue (gallery retail vs. auction hammer), and adjust for condition and framing. Be wary of retail “asking” prices that greatly exceed consistent auction results.

Appraisal documentation: what to capture

When you catalog a John Lennon “Starting Over” serigraph, structure your notes to allow another expert to verify every claim:

• Artist: John Lennon (British, 1940–1980), estate-authorized print
• Title: Starting Over (as inscribed or per COA; if not printed on sheet, state “per certificate”)
• Date of image and publication: Image (undated drawing by Lennon); publication date (as indicated by colophon or COA)
• Medium: Serigraph/screenprint in colors on [paper brand if watermarked], [weight if known]
• Sheet size: H x W; Image size: H x W
• Edition: e.g., 125/300; list any AP/PP/HC examples if applicable
• Signatures/inscriptions: e.g., “Numbered in pencil lower left; estate signature of Yoko Ono in pencil lower right; publisher’s blindstamp lower margin”
• Publisher/printer: Bag One Arts, [printer, if chop or COA identifies]
• Marks: Describe blindstamps/chops precisely (location, appearance)
• Provenance: Include purchase invoices, gallery labels, COA issuer and date
• Condition: Neutral, detailed description of surface, color, paper, mounting, and frame materials
• Notes: Any literature or exhibition references; whether the image includes a printed Lennon signature within the composition

Red flags and common pitfalls

• “Hand-signed by John Lennon” on a Starting Over print dated after 1980. Treat as suspect unless overwhelming, historically consistent evidence exists (it likely doesn’t for this title).

• Vague COAs: One-page generic “certificates” without publisher name, edition size, precise medium, or contact details offer little probative value.

• Misidentified medium: Retailers sometimes conflate offset lithographs or giclées with serigraphs. Confirm via inspection.

• Overly large edition numbers or no numbering at all: Some decorative reproductions borrow the title but are open editions.

• Incorrect paper: Thin, glossy poster stock is inconsistent with fine art serigraphy.

Practical checklist

Use this concise checklist when examining a John Lennon serigraph titled Starting Over:

• Confirm medium: Under magnification, verify serigraph ink layers, no CMYK rosette.
• Record measurements: Sheet and image dimensions, to the millimeter.
• Read the margins: Note numbering, any pencil title, and signature/initials; photograph each.
• Locate embossing: Identify publisher/printer blindstamps; sketch their positions.
• Check the paper: Identify watermark brand; assess weight and edges (deckle vs. cut).
• Review documentation: COA from Bag One Arts or issuing gallery, invoices, labels; ensure title and edition match the print.
• Condition survey: Light fade test, mat burn, hinges, foxing, scuffs, creases; note and grade severity.
• Provenance chain: List prior owners/dealers if available; retain all labels and receipts.
• Frame audit: If framed, record glazing type (UV-filtering vs. standard), mat material, and backing board; recommend archival upgrades if needed.
• Comparable sales: Compile at least three recent sales of the same edition/image; note condition differences.

FAQ

Q: My print says “Starting Over” and has a pencil signature “John Lennon.” Is it authentic? A: Treat it with caution. Lennon died in 1980. Most prints titled Starting Over are estate publications issued after that date and should not carry a genuine hand-signature by John Lennon. Many have a printed (facsimile) signature within the image or an estate signature. Require impeccable documentation and, ideally, third-party verification before accepting a hand-signed claim.

Q: What should the edition number look like on a legitimate serigraph? A: Typically Arabic numerals in the form “xx/xxx” written in pencil on the lower margin. Additional proof designations such as AP, PP, or HC are normal. The numbering should match the edition size stated on the COA or colophon.

Q: How do I tell if mine is a serigraph and not a poster? A: Use a loupe. Serigraphs have solid color fields without CMYK dot patterns, often with a slight ink relief you can feel. Posters made by offset lithography show rosette dot patterns; inkjet prints show sprayed dot matrices.

Q: Does a COA guarantee authenticity? A: No. A robust COA helps, but it must be specific (publisher, medium, edition size, exact title, dimensions) and tied to the print via matching numbers or labels. Pair documentation with a physical examination.

Q: How should I store or frame the print? A: Use UV-filtering glazing, 100% cotton museum mat, acid-free mounting with Japanese hinges, and an archival backing board. Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity. Store flat in a portfolio box if unframed.

By documenting the edition features carefully, confirming the medium with magnification, and weighing condition and provenance, you can arrive at a defensible appraisal of a John Lennon serigraph titled Starting Over. The market rewards authenticity, attractive condition, and complete paperwork—approach each example with methodical scrutiny.