Authenticity, Provenance and Maximising Value

Customised wrapping for Dangerous Career Babe limited editions, Hazel Dooney 2025.

Listen to narration

In preparation for launching limited editions of the first character from my Dangerous Career Babes series, I've thought a lot about authentication and communicating how to maximise the long-term value of these artworks, especially for new collectors.

In addition to being hand-signed and numbered in pencil, each artwork will have a unique identifying mark and certificate of authenticity. I will keep a private list of each purchase, recording the name of the owner with the number of each limited edition print.

I suggest that collectors maintain a strong record of provenance, which is the documented history of ownership of the artwork. You will need it if you decide to resell your artwork in the future.

Limited editions of Dangerous Career Babes will be available exclusively via click-to-buy on my website. Please keep the automated invoice you receive, which is proof of purchase, along with any email communications from my domain hazeldooney.com and a screenshot of your bank statement related to the purchase.

Artworks will be wrapped in custom-printed Dangerous Career Babe wrapping paper and tied with a ribbon to match a colour of the artwork. The ribbon in the photo above is pink to match the background colour of The Aviatrix. While it's not yet viable for me to use all environmentally friendly materials, the wrapping paper and ribbon are designed to be either re-used or kept alongside the authenticity and provenance records.  

In terms of asset value, while there are no guarantees in any investment, given that my art has naturally appreciated in value on the secondary market and this series is already established, it is likely. The best way to maximise investment potential is to keep your artwork in excellent condition and to hold it for a minimum of ten years, preferably twenty.

Artworks are best kept out of indirect sunlight and areas of high humidity. Works on paper will remain in the best condition possible if framed by a reputable professional using archival materials and techniques. However, I understand this cost does not suit all budgets. To provide an alternative, I have sized my limited editions to fit mass-produced frames and will create a guide to DIY framing using materials and techniques that will help preserve the artwork.