Frequently Asked Questions


This page is designed to answer, as best as I can, some of the questions which I am most often asked. The page has been divided into sections to assist in finding the most appropriate answer to your question.

Please use to navigate this page:-

General

Are you connected to Gary Hodges or a gallery ?

No, this site is independent in its own right, we are simply fans of Garys work. Pictures Plus, Windsor gave us a lot of help before the site existed and I am naturally grateful.

Are you a business ?

No, I`m a housewife and run this site from home with my husband as a hobby. The only revenue for the site is from WildlifeArt.co.uk which I also run (see links page). Sales of prints from there cover this sites running costs and enables me to keep the site free from advertising.

Do you have a large collection of prints ?

No, not nearly a big enough collection. We are the proud owners of thirty one of Garys prints and we collect the ones we like and can afford.

How do you get the information for the site ?

By making notes whenever I come across a print I haven`t seen and from collectors who contact me via e-mail with details of prints that they own.

How do you get the images for the site ?

From a variety of sources including, direct scanning, scanning photocopies and taking digital camera photos. All are then processed with with Paintshop Pro 5 graphics software.

Print and Framing Information


The information supplied below is based on what I have learnt over time and is supplied in good faith, however I am not an expert and if you know of any errors please, please e-mail me and let me know.

What is an AP ?

When an artist releases a limited edition print, the artist is allowed to produce an extra 10% for themselves known as Artist Proofs. These have to be marked as an 'AP' and numbered as such, so an an example you might see "AP 23/85" where the main release is of 850. In the UK, as far as I know this has no affect on the value of the print.

What is `dry mounting' ?

Although rare nowadays, in the past some prints were glued onto a piece of card to keep them flat and straight. However, there is a possibility that the glue may react with the print and cause rusting or brown spots to appear on the print at some point in the future. Consequently `dry mounted' prints have a reduced value on the secondary market.

What are mount marks ?

A lot of the prints that I see are showing signs of faint yellowing where the print has been in contact with the mount. This is a problem which has been the subject of considerable interest recently and great improvements have been made in the mounts themselves and mounting methods. In the past some prints were framed in mounts which were not acid-free or did not have an acid-free core. This results in mount marks being present which can be seen by holding the print up to a light bulb.

How should a print be mounted ?

There are a variety of mounts to choose from to suit your individual taste, however you should always use conservation grade backing board behind the print and conservation paper between the print and the acid-free mount of your choice. Always use a framer who is a member of `The Fine Art Trade Guild` as they will be able to advise you on current mounts available and mounting methods.

Where should the prints be hung ?

Anywhere you can find a space on your walls is the obvious answer, although avoid direct sunlight, excessive heat (over a radiator) and damp conditions such as bathrooms etc.