Are you considering starting an art collection? We've asked a panel of art experts from The List by House & Garden to give their advice on where to start when you're on a budget.
Open studios and degree shows offer affordable ways to buy early works
‘The Royal Drawing School is an artist-led, not-for-profit school that attracts a mix of both emerging and more experienced artists,’ explains the interior designer Nicola Mardas, whose projects have a strong emphasis on art. ‘I’d suggest exploring work by the tutors, students and alumni to see a broad spectrum of styles and subject areas.
In May and June, many UK art schools hold their degree shows, and this can be a great way of getting to know and supporting emerging artists. It's also a chance to purchase original, often affordable, artwork directly from the artist.
The gallery 'Counter Editions' in Margate sells prints by celebrated artists from around the world. Editions are produced in varying quantities, which offers collectors an accessible way to own exceptional contemporary art.’
Focus on the style, not the name
‘If you have a specific period or prominent artist that you love, the likelihood is that there’s a whole selection of original artworks out there incorporating the styles and techniques that you’re looking for,’ says the team behind Sulis Fine Art. ‘Searching for “Circle of” and “Follower of” artworks will lead you to students and admirers of famous artists working in the same style at a fraction of the cost.’
Buy vintage art
‘Opting for vintage art is an affordable way of adding something completely unique to your art collection,’ explains Sara Allom of The Vintage Art Gallery. ‘Don’t forget that when you buy vintage, you are choosing something preloved, which is also a sustainable way of shopping. But more than that, the feeling of circularity you get from finding your perfect piece of vintage art – of something from the past finally coming home to you - is a very special kind of sustainability.’
Don’t fuss about frames
‘Frames are something that you can always upgrade when you have a bit more cash,’ says Julia Collins of Collins & Green Art. ‘When you want to upgrade your frame, find a good local framer and chat with them. They may have a quiet moment when they can do it at a better price, or a small amount of a particular frame in stock which they would like to get rid of.
There is always Ikea, or some of the online, ready made frames on Etsy if you have bought a work on paper. Do be careful where you hang it; works on paper are very fragile and light is not good for them. Oils are more robust, but strong direct sunshine is not good for them either. Art does not need vitamin D!
Keep an eye out in charity shops and boot sales; make a note on your phone of the details of the picture you want to re-frame, and you may just get lucky.’
Paying in instalments
‘With the arrival of 0% art financing providers such as Art Money, or Own Art, the cost of buying art can be spread over months,’ says the founder of Artfully Sorted, Charissa Risley.
‘We often arrange on behalf of our clients to buy their art over monthly instalments, and it has been transformational for improving the affordability of buying art, especially during these trickier economic times with the rising cost of living. Not a surprise that Christie’s has invested in Art Money, and Own Art is supported by the Arts Council England.’
The final steps…
Remember, the journey doesn't stop when you buy the artwork; there are still a few crucial steps to make sure you get the most out of your new purchase.
‘It is important for you to frame it as soon as you have it and make sure you conserve it well because you will keep it for a lifetime,’ says the team at Singulart. ‘As a new collector, you should always keep the certificates of authenticity, as they are proof of the artwork's origins. These certificates might be useful if you ever wish to resell them as well. Your first artwork usually will not be your last, so have fun mixing and matching as you grow your collection.’
