ArtSure for the Trade

The Fine Art Trade Guild has been the world’s leading print registration authority since it was founded in 1847 as the Printsellers Association, with the name changing in 1910. ArtSure is the modern face of this great tradition and we are confident that collectors of prints will come to rely on the ArtSure scheme, as they have the print registration programme.

What our members say

‘‘As a Fine Art Photographer and Guild certified giclee printer, I am thrilled to be able to further enhance my business profile with the ArtSure programme. On my competitive high street alone there are four other photographers marketing themselves as “fine art”, but I am the only one who is a member of the Fine Art Trade Guild, and the only one who can offer my patrons the extra confidence that ArtSure provides’’.

Robert Pollock, Photographer, Gourock

Since digital inkjet printing has become widespread, it is now easier for people with little understanding of print quality, longevity issues and colour values to produce what look like fine art prints. However, poor quality prints may not stand the test of time. Today, internet-savvy customers don’t just want the manufacturer’s word for it that their products are the best, they look for respected independent organisations, like the Fine Art Trade Guild, to verify the quality of the goods they are thinking of buying. This is what ArtSure will do.

Who can join ArtSure?

Only Guild members can participate in ArtSure. Each Guild member pledges to abide by the Guild’s code of ethics. This means that buyers can be confident of the ArtSure scheme’s integrity at every stage. Each Guild member participating in ArtSure has a number and each print edition has a registration number. You might display this on the edge of the print, on the Certificate of Authenticity, on a label, on a leaflet or on your website. A copy of an ArtSure print edition registration certificate can be downloaded by anyone at no cost. See Terms and Conditions

What quality standards do ArtSure inks and papers have to meet?

The Guild’s print quality standards are tried and tested, having been established for many years. The standards have not been amended for the launch of ArtSure. The only change is that manufacturers submit ink / paper combinations to UKAS or similarly accredited laboratories in the UK and overseas. They then make the test certificates available to the ArtSure scheme trustees. As trustees of the ArtSure scheme, the Guild maintains a freely accessible list of all digital ink and paper combinations which have been tested and approved that participants can choose from when producing ArtSure editions.

Does ArtSure offer any guarantee against the print fading?

No. No one can offer such a guarantee, as the conditions for display or storage of any print can vary so much. ArtSure retailer participants should offer expert advice on how to minimise the risk of fading. This includes quality mounting and framing, the use of speciality framing glass, hanging away from sunlight, suitable lighting, levels of humidity and more.

Who registers a print edition on the ArtSure database?

Participants do. You access the database with your own login, upload the thumbnail image files, no larger than 1MB, and key in the information requested. That way, the cost of the scheme is kept very low.

What does it cost to become an ArtSure participating member?

The annual costs of ArtSure participation are: For a gallery, photographer, studio or a self-publishing artist, £35, which includes listing for up to two artists. For larger publishers, fine art printers and studios the fee is £100 a year and includes unlimted listings. Trade suppliers, by agreement. All these fees are in addition to Guild membership. Apply to JOIN NOW

ArtSure is certain to become a valuable marketing tool for artists, galleries, fine art printers and publishers. You can promote the fact that the logo represents print integrity and quality on your marketing materials, as content for PR activity and as part of a sales strategy. Feature the logo and copy on your website and in marketing materials and explain what the logo represents. It is in your interests to work to promote the scheme.

Non-members of the Guild are permitted to use the ArtSure logo and slogan only with promotional materials supplied by ArtSure participants.

Download Use of Logo information. You can download ArtSure logos and text from your ArtSure Dashboard once your membership is confirmed.