If you are looking for assistance with acquiring artwork or developing an art collection please don’t hesitate to contact info@davidarchbold.com.
Guide to Collecting Art
Collecting art can be a very enjoyable and rewarding process yet can be quite challenging at times. I have identified 7 key points which will help you prepare for the exciting journey of collecting artwork.
Prioritise – Is the timing right? Do you consider yourself to be in a position to build an art collection? It is best practice from the outset to make a plan, organise the finances and physical space for artworks before you begin buying.
Purpose – Ask yourself what is the purpose of your art collection? Are you looking to develop a permanent or temporary art collection? Some people are interested in collecting their favouirte art to build their own personal art collection and others are interested in acquiring artwork to resell at a later date. The trick is to do both, accumulate your favourite artworks while keeping an eye out for artworks which will appreciate in value over time.
Personality – An art collection can be curated to follow a concept or can be curated from your personal taste. Your taste is subjective and will change over time but this will only make for an art collection that is uniquely yours. If you are looking to develop a personal art collection, it is important to stay true to your taste and try not to chase trends. Your taste and interests will build a ‘hypothetical collection’ that you can use as a reference point when seeking to acquire new artworks.
Research – A large part of the art collecting process is spent on research. This entails developing a concept, identifying artworks, artists and galleries which will build a network which will guide your decision making going forward.
Engage – If is essential that you engage with your built network. Go to art events, exhibitions, art college shows and galleries. If you do not have a network and don’t know where to start go to your local art gallery and talk to the gallerist or exhibiting artist.
Provenance – The gallery is the focal point of the public sale of artwork and will be a vital resource to you. Purchase from galleries both online and onsite or directly from artists to ensure that you are acquiring authentic artworks. It can be tricky to authenticate works bought from third party sellers online.
Budget – What may seem as the start and end point of your journey, budgeting plays a vital role in any art collection. Depending on your budget you may not be able to afford original artworks. A great alternative is fine-art prints, which are commonly produced by artists in various stages of their careers and offer authentic work at an affordable price. Beyond the artworks themselves there are also other aspects you may need to factor into your budget. If you are looking to have your collection on display you should consider framing methods which preserve the artwork and if you are looking to have your collection in storage you should consider storage methods will will properly safeguard the artwork.
What I can do for you
Art Advice – Individual advice and detailed discussion on what you are looking for.
Collection Strategy – Plan out a collection programme for you to develop your own art collection.
Curation – Curate a tailor-made art collection for you. Curate an art exhibition or mini-collection from your existing collection of artworks.
Technical Advice – Offer technical advice on materials and upkeep of artwork during your artwork selection process and beyond.
Liaison – Liaise with galleries and artists to secure artworks if required, to negotiate artwork prices is possible, and to arrange certificates of authenticity.
Consultancy – Organise and manage artist commissions of new original artwork for your collection.
Organisation – Arrange services such as framing, transport and installation if required.
Management – Entire project management.