the study Audubon prints: watermarks This is a subsection of a larger discussion on Audubon prints. The information presented here is not sufficient for authenticating a print. To begin from the beginning, please read the overview. J WHATMAN watermarks run along the long side of the paper, the letters all appearing as block capitals. The TURKEY MILL watermark seems to occur close to the edge of the sheet (which makes them vulnerable to trimming), but in many prints the watermarks are located towards the middle of the page. Thus even severely trimmed prints will sometimes have all or most of the watermark intact. Even a partial watermark is a good indication of authenticity for a Havell. Although the presence or absence of the watermark affects the value of the print (other things being equal), the absence of the watermark on a trimmed print does not disprove authenticity. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to see a watermark even if it is present. Prints that are laid down (that is, glued or otherwise affixed to a backing) are troublesome in this regard, although occasionally you can still see the watermark. At a recent auction exhibition, we noticed that the watermark on a framed Havell was visible when you stood close to the print, perhaps because of the angle of the light upon it.
Last updated 09.05.05 |
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