New
New
Reproducing art: postcards, prints and artist editions
I can experiment with reproducing and curating my own artwork.
Lesson 5 of 8
New
New
- Year 11
Reproducing art: postcards, prints and artist editions
I can experiment with reproducing and curating my own artwork.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Artists can reproduce their work through prints, postcards, and limited edition prints.
- There are many examples of artist's reproducing their work in different ways and across different times and places.
- A curatorial experiment explores not just which artworks are shown, but how they are arranged, displayed, and framed.
- Curators and artists might use reproductions to experiment with how art is displayed and experienced
Keywords
Reproduction - a copy of an original artwork that allows more people to see it
Edition - a set number of copies of an artwork, like prints or postcards, often numbered to show how many exist
Common misconception
Reproduction is only possible with a photocopier/printer and reproductions are not as valid as originals.
Hand-made reproductions (drawn, traced, collaged, reinterpreted) are also valid artistic processes.
When moving into the curatorial experiment, guide students to be purposeful; rather than sticking reproductions down randomly, ask them to think like a curator.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does “reproduction” mean in art?
What does “reproduction” mean in art?
Destroying an artwork so it can’t be copied
An artwork made only with photography
A sketch done before making the final painting
Q2.Why might an artist choose to make prints or postcards of their work?
Why might an artist choose to make prints or postcards of their work?
To make their art invisible
To avoid showing their work in public
To ensure only one person ever sees their art
Q3.What is an “edition” in art?
What is an “edition” in art?
A drawing made in one sitting
The first draft of an artwork before the final version
An exhibition catalogue
Q4.How might reproductions change who gets to experience an artwork?
How might reproductions change who gets to experience an artwork?
They limit the artwork to one gallery only
They make the artwork less creative
They always make the artwork smaller
Q5.Why do you think curators experiment with how artworks are displayed?
Why do you think curators experiment with how artworks are displayed?
To make the gallery look busy
To avoid showing certain artworks at all
To keep the art hidden from the public
Q6.Do you think a reproduction, like a postcard, can still be considered “art”?
Do you think a reproduction, like a postcard, can still be considered “art”?
No, only original paintings are art
Yes, but only if it is made digitally
No, because copies aren’t valuable
