FAQs | British Culture Archive | Prints and Editions
BCA is committed to making premium quality archival prints available and affordable. As a leading provider of archival prints and editions, we sell to individual customers and collectors worldwide.
All profits from print sales support the photographers we represent and help maintain and fund the work of BCA.
Collector or Individual Purchase
Whether you are looking for a one-off print for your house, starting out your art collection, or looking to add to it, BCA is here to answer any questions.
What is an archival/Giclée print?
An archival print, often called an ‘archival pigment print’, is produced using archival-grade materials and printing processes. The term ‘archival’ indicates that the print is made with longevity and preservation in mind. These prints are valued for their aesthetic quality, durability, and assurance that the artwork will be enjoyed for many generations without any degradation.
Giclee prints represent a pinnacle in fine art reproduction. Derived from the French word ‘gicler’, meaning ‘to spray’, the giclee printing process employs high-resolution inkjet printers to meticulously produce prints with stunning detail and colour accuracy.
The archival nature of giclee prints, using pigment-based inks on archival substrates, ensures longevity and resistance to fading, providing collectors and art enthusiasts with prints that retain their vibrancy for generations. For our fine art giclée prints, we use the highest quality acid-free papers that are fade-resistant, exceeding a lifespan of a minimum of seventy years.
What is an Edition Print?
Limited edition prints add an exclusive dimension to the art world, providing collectors with a unique opportunity to own a piece of creative expression. Unlike open editions, limited edition prints are restricted in number, enhancing their rarity and value.
All BCA Editions are hand-numbered with a matching numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
What is an Open Edition print?
An open edition print is not limited to the number of copies produced, unlike limited edition prints with a predetermined and typically small number of copies. Open-edition prints can be sold in unlimited quantities.
How are the prints packaged?
Small prints are packed flat using professional art packaging. Larger prints are rolled in a sturdy tube before being sent via Royal Mail for tracked delivery. All items are packaged using professional art packaging to ensure they reach you in pristine condition.
General Terms
Prints bought from British Culture Archive are for personal use. For all other purposes, such as exhibiting in public spaces, institutions or any other commercial usage, permission must be granted by the British Culture Archive and/or the copyright holder.