Use these tips on how to start an art collection from our Founder, Georgia Spray, to guide you in your choices. We know buying your first work of real art can be an overwhelming choice - how do you know which artists to back, and how much to spend? We hope these ideas will be a good starting point, but we are here to chat if you have any other questions.

Georgia's Tips 

Buy art because you love it, not just as in investment. 

Try not to feel too pressured to predict the next Tracey Emin or Damien Hirst – buy art that you have a personal connection to. The return will be so much greater in the long run than a financial one and, you never know, your instincts might just be right.

 

Support emerging artists. 

Buying art by artists still at art school or recent grads is a great way to start your art collection. Not only does it mean that their work will be more affordable than artists who have gallery representation, it’s also highly rewarding knowing that you’re enabling a young artist to develop their career. 

Follow artists on instagram.

The art world has dramatically changed in the last 5 years or so. Instagram is an amazing way to learn about an artist’s process, to see when they are hosting events and exhibitions and to find out about new artworks. 

 

Go to exhibitions and meet artists.

You can easily find out about exhibitions and events via Instagram or by signing up to an artist / platform’s newsletter. Make an effort to strike up a face to face relationship, it will make your artwork much more meaningful if you get the know the artist it’s by and the chances are they will love to meet you too.

Be bold.

Don’t feel like you have to buy art that fits into your colour scheme or match your cushions. Some of my favourite pieces of art at home are not immediately “pretty”, but they continue to stimulate and challenge me and don’t ever get boring. 

   

Rehang to refresh.

I think it’s important to rehang your art every few months to refresh it and make you look at it in a new way. I love thinking about how art can have a conversation in some way with other elements of my home – mix textures, and materials and don’t be afraid to hang off-centre; an element of surprise can make the artwork much more eye-catching and appreciated. 

 

Frame it properly.

Take into account that bespoke framing is expensive, but it’s well worth the cost as it will show your artwork off in the best way and will preserve it. If your artwork is a photograph use non UV for preservation and if it’s quite dark then try and go for non reflective glass to avoid glare obscuring the image. It’s also a very creative process, so think carefully about the colours you want to emphasise in the piece and draw these out by matching the frame. Some works are busy enough without drawing attention to the frame, so go for a floating them in a white box frame.

  

Ask an Expert. 

Art consultants and experts are here to help. Remember, our team are on hand to answer any questions you may have about budget, framing, style, what goes well with what and much more. We don’t cost anything to consult with and can tailor suggestions to your personal collection.