Roy Fairchild Woodward Limited Edition Serigraph

A Roy Fairchild Woodward limited edition serigraph often stands at the intersection of fine craft and contemporary collectible printmaking. Whether you’re cataloging a collection, preparing for sale, or seeking to authenticate a new acquisition, this guide distills the key markers of authenticity, condition, and value specific to these prints.

Note on naming: the artist is widely cataloged as Roy Fairchild-Woodard (with a hyphen), and you may also see “Fairchild Woodward” or simply “Roy Fairchild” in gallery and auction records. For appraisals, match the spelling used on the work’s signature or in original documentation, while cross-referencing alternate spellings to find comparable sales.

Artist and Medium: What You’re Looking At

Roy Fairchild-Woodard is a British contemporary artist known for richly patterned, lyrical figurative works and still lifes. His imagery frequently features decorative textiles, stylized florals, and romantic portraiture. The compositions often elicit comparisons to fin-de-siècle Viennese aesthetics for their ornament and surface complexity.

A serigraph (screenprint) is a hand-pulled print made by forcing ink through fine mesh screens, with a separate screen for each color. Limited edition serigraphs by Fairchild-Woodard typically:

• Employ numerous color layers for saturated, tactile surfaces.
• May incorporate metallic or pearlescent inks; some impressions are hand-embellished.
• Exist on heavyweight, archival rag papers or as serigraphs on canvas.
• Are signed and numbered, usually by hand.

Unlike offset lithographs or giclée reproductions, a well-made serigraph presents solid, velvety fields of color under magnification, with minimal dot patterns and a slightly raised ink profile you can detect by raking light.

Identifying a Genuine Limited Edition Serigraph

While the artist’s catalog varies by title and publisher, most authentic Roy Fairchild-Woodard limited edition serigraphs share the following attributes.

• Edition numbering: Typically shown as a fraction at the lower left margin (e.g., 123/295). Special proofs—A.P. (Artist’s Proof), P.P. (Printer’s Proof), H.C. (Hors Commerce), or E.A. (épreuve d’artiste)—appear in place of the numerals. Edition sizes vary; large editions are not unusual in contemporary printmaking, but proof counts are typically small.
• Signature: Hand-signed, often in pencil on paper editions at the lower right margin. On serigraphs on canvas, a paint-pen or ink signature at the lower right of the image is common. Compare signature style with known examples; Fairchild-Woodard’s hand is typically fluid and legible.
• Paper: Archival, mould-made cotton rag papers are common. Look for substantial weight and, often, deckled edges. Watermarks may be present when the sheet is viewed in transmitted light.
• Ink surface: Under a 10x loupe, you should see uniform, opaque areas with crisp edges where colors meet. Metallic inks and layered screens can give a slight sheen or relief. Avoid works that show CMYK rosette dot patterns typical of mass-produced posters.
• Publisher or printer marks: Some editions bear a blind stamp (embossed chop) near the margins, or a certificate of authenticity (COA) referencing the publisher/printer. Retain all paperwork; a COA is supporting evidence but not proof on its own.
• Image character: Fairchild-Woodard compositions often feature patterned fabrics, floral motifs, or stylized figures with decorative backdrops. Palette tends toward warm, luxurious tones accented by metallics in some editions.

Red flags:

• Identical “signatures” across multiples without variation can indicate printed (mechanical) signatures.
• Glossy poster paper or thin stock is atypical for limited serigraph editions on paper.
• Pixelation, dot patterns, or moiré effects are signs of offset or digital reproductions.

Condition Factors That Drive Value

Condition is a principal determinant of market value, especially for editioned works. Examine and describe systematically:

• Light exposure and fading: Compare protected margins (under mat or frame rabbet) with exposed areas. Serigraph inks are generally colorfast, but fugitive pigments or prolonged sunlight can still fade. UV-filter glazing is crucial.
• Paper tone and mat burn: Acidic mats create brown lines at the window opening. Overall paper oxidation manifests as generalized yellowing. Neutralize risk with museum boards and conservation framing.
• Foxing and moisture issues: Brown spots (foxing), tide lines, and cockling indicate humidity problems. These require professional conservation; avoid DIY cleaning.
• Abrasion and scuffing: Thickly inked serigraph layers can abrade if improperly handled or if they contact the glazing. Look for dull areas, scratches, or color loss.
• Handling dents and creases: Raking light reveals pressure marks. These diminish value even if they’re not immediately visible face-on.
• Framing hardware and back: Non-archival tapes, masking tape hinges, and cardboard backing off-gas acids. Check for hinge tears and adhesive residues.
• Canvas-specific issues (if on canvas): Stretcher bar impressions, corner stress, and surface scuffs are typical risks. Avoid harsh surface cleaning; consult a conservator if soiled.

Condition grades:

• Excellent/near mint: Bright, un-faded color, clean sheet, archival framing.
• Very good: Minor handling marks or faint mat impressions.
• Good: Visible mat burn, moderate foxing or toning, small creases.
• Fair/poor: Fading, tears, losses, moisture damage—may be candidates for professional treatment.

Conservation advice:

• Reframe with UV-filter glazing, 100% cotton rag mats, and reversible hinges (Japanese paper + wheat starch paste).
• Maintain stable environment: 40–55% RH, 65–75°F, low UV.
• Keep works off exterior walls and out of direct sunlight.

Market Overview and Valuation Drivers

Values for Roy Fairchild-Woodard serigraphs depend on title desirability, edition particulars, medium (paper vs canvas), and condition. For appraisers and sellers, these are the principal levers:

• Subject and palette: Iconic figurative compositions, strong decorative patterning, and metallic accents tend to command higher demand than generic or subdued subjects.
• Edition size and proof status: Smaller editions may be more sought after, but desirability of the image typically eclipses small differences in size. A.P./P.P./H.C. can be marginally more desirable; confirm market behavior by comparing like-for-like sales.
• Medium and scale: Serigraphs on canvas and large-format paper impressions often achieve stronger results, provided condition holds.
• Signature and dedications: A clean, hand signature is standard. Personal dedications can narrow the buyer base and sometimes reduce market value, though not always.
• Dating, publisher, and print quality: Later impressions from the same screen set are typically equivalent in value within the numbered edition, assuming uniform quality. Editions by reputable publishers and printers with documentation inspire confidence.
• Provenance: Direct purchase receipts, gallery labels, COAs, and exhibition history add support. A well-documented chain of custody can lift confidence and price.
• Market channel: Retail galleries emphasize presentation and curation; auctions emphasize competitive bidding and current liquidity. Net proceeds vary after commissions and fees.

Pricing ranges fluctuate with market cycles. Review recent comparables for the same title and medium, adjusting for condition, size, and framing. Where exact comparables are scarce, bracket value using sales of closely related subjects and formats.

How to Catalog Your Print for Appraisal

Precise cataloging saves time and reduces ambiguity. Record:

• Artist: Roy Fairchild-Woodard (note any alternate spelling on the work)
• Title: As printed on COA, verso label, or in pencil on margin
• Date: If present; otherwise note “undated”
• Medium: Serigraph in colors on wove paper (or serigraph on canvas)
• Edition: Fraction (e.g., 123/295) or proof designation (A.P., P.P., H.C., E.A.)
• Signature: Medium and location (e.g., signed in pencil lower right)
• Sheet size and image size: In inches or centimeters; measure to nearest 1/8 inch or 0.1 cm
• Publisher/printer: If indicated via chop mark, COA, or label
• Condition: Objective notes on toning, foxing, creasing, fading, abrasions; framing materials
• Provenance: Original invoice, gallery label, prior auction lot, collection history
• Framing: Materials, glazing type, and whether spacers or mats separate the work from glazing
• Photographs: Front, back, signature, edition numbering, chops/watermarks, condition issues

Best practice: Photograph the print out of frame when possible to confirm sheet edges, watermarks, and to assess hidden condition areas under mats.

Buying, Selling, and Risk Management

• Due diligence: Ask for high-resolution images of signature, numbering, margins, and any publisher stamps. Request a photo of the work out of the frame (or at least with the backing removed) for paper editions.
• Authenticity: A COA supports, but does not replace, connoisseurship. Evaluate the print surface with a loupe; compare known signature forms and the artist’s typical paper and palette.
• Framing premium: Museums-quality framing supports value but rarely dollar-for-dollar. Buyers often discount for re-framing. Sellers: consider offering unframed if the frame is not archival or is bulky to ship.
• Consignment vs. auction vs. direct sale: Consignment to a specialty gallery may achieve higher list prices but requires time. Auctions can provide quicker liquidity. Direct sales require marketing but avoid commissions.
• Shipping: Use corner protectors, rigid boards, and moisture barriers. For paper, ship flat when possible; if rolling, use large-diameter tubes and interleaving sheets. Declare value and insure in transit.

Concise Practical Checklist

• Verify the work is a serigraph: check solid color fields and raised ink under magnification.
• Confirm hand signature and edition inscription in the margins (or on canvas surface).
• Record edition number or proof designation and photograph it clearly.
• Inspect for fading by comparing exposed areas to covered margins.
• Note any mat burn, foxing, creases, or abrasions; grade condition conservatively.
• Identify paper type and any chop marks or watermarks; photograph edges.
• Gather provenance: invoices, COA, gallery labels, prior sale records.
• Measure sheet and image accurately; document in the catalog record.
• Compare with recent sales of the same or closely related titles for valuation.
• If framing, use UV glazing, rag mats, and reversible hinges; avoid direct sunlight.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell a serigraph from an offset lithograph reproduction? A: Use a 10x loupe. Serigraphs show solid, even color layers and slight surface relief; offset prints reveal a CMYK dot matrix (rosette pattern). Edges in serigraphs are crisp and discrete, with minimal dot gain.

Q: Do Artist’s Proofs (A.P.) of Fairchild-Woodard serigraphs command higher prices? A: Sometimes, but not always. A.P. counts are small, which can add desirability, yet the image itself and condition typically carry more weight than proof designation. Check actual sales for the specific title.

Q: Is a COA necessary for resale? A: It’s helpful but not strictly necessary if other evidence supports authenticity (signature, edition marks, known publisher chop, provenance). When possible, keep the COA and all labels; they streamline buyer due diligence.

Q: Should I reframe a work with mat burn or non-archival materials before selling? A: If the frame is clearly non-archival or the mat is causing damage, disclose and consider removing the work from the frame to prevent further harm. Professional conservation and museum-quality reframing can improve marketability, but weigh cost against likely value uplift.

Q: What measurements are most important to include? A: Provide both sheet size and image size (or canvas size), the edition notation, and the placement/medium of the signature. Include condition notes and clear photos of all inscriptions and margins.

With careful inspection, thorough documentation, and a practical approach to conservation and market research, you can confidently evaluate a Roy Fairchild-Woodward limited edition serigraph—whether you’re preparing a formal appraisal or making an informed purchase or sale.