How were limited-edition horse-racing prints produced in the 1980s?

The production of limited edition prints in the 1980s followed a structured process that combined traditional art with printing technology. An artist first created an original painting, usually in oil or watercolour, depicting a specific race or subject. This artwork was then transferred to printing plates using lithographic methods or offset techniques. Each colour required a separate plate, which meant careful alignment during printing. Once prepared, a fixed number of impressions were produced, often between 250 and 850 copies. Every print received a number, written as a fraction such as 120/500, along with a pencil signature from the artist. In some cases, individuals featured in the artwork, including jockeys like Lester Piggott, also signed selected copies. High-quality, acid-free paper was used to reduce fading over time. Production could take several days for a single edition, depending on complexity. Small variations between prints sometimes appeared, which added a degree of uniqueness even within a controlled run.