A step-by-step guide to building an art collection

Step 1 - Curate a collection

I start by asking clients to send me pictures of things that inspire them, whether that be a dog walk, an interior design post on Pinterest or a work of art in a gallery. This mood board of inspiration helps you understand what colour schemes, styles and subjects you are drawn to.  To build an art collection is to create an extension of yourself; it is important to buy what you love. Buy the work that catches your attention or the that has you thinking about it days later. If you buy what you love, a natural curation with occur.

Top Tip: Create a ‘favourites’ folder on your phone of images that inspire you.

Step 2 - Where to buy?

Once you have established your style it is time to get searching. The process of building an art collection should be a natural journey, it should be fun but it will take time. It is important to remember this and not rush purchases. There are a couple of places you can start:

Browse online

Should you be interested in supporting living artists, I have found Instagram to be a fantastic source of inspiration and buying platform. You can connect directly with artists and galleries, and I find that once you discover one artist, you will immerse yourself in work by similar artists.

Top Tip: Search using hashtags to track down artists like #londonart, #contemporaryart or #abstractart

Make it an adventure

Art fairs are a great place to start. By turning the art buying process into an exciting day out adds a fun new dimension. Good fairs to keep in mind include Masterpiece (July) and Frieze (October). When they are not taking place, their websites are still greats resources. Look through the list of exhibitors, artists and for sources of inspiration to build your mood board.  Two London fairs taking place in November are Roy’s Art Fair and Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair.

Top Tip: Why not give it a go, if nothing else it’s a brilliant day out!

Going, going, gone!

Buying at auction is also a good place to start. Despite what you may have heard it is easy, accessible and exciting.  The-saleroom.com is an online bidding platform hosting lots from over 500 auction houses. What you do need, is patience - it is a far-cry from the ‘buy it now’ culture we live in. However, specialists are on hand to guide you and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Always ask about the previous ownership, the condition of the work and request high resolution images. It is also important if you can, to attend the auction preview. There have been so many times where I have arrived with my heart set on a piece and left leaving a bid on a completely different work of art. 

Top Tip: the-saleroom.com charge extra fees to use their online bidding platform so it is always worth contacting the auction house directly to bid.

Step 3 - Know your budget

This is key to building your collection. If you know your limit and what you can afford, you will be able to enjoy the experience. Remember, buying directly from an artist supports their career. Buying from a gallery is often a quicker way of securing art, but prices are at a premium. Buying from auction can take time and the disappointment of being outbid at the last hurdle can be difficult but stick to your budget and you will be amazed at the treasures you can find!

Top Tip: If you decide to sell a piece of art, consider using the proceeds to buy your next piece. This way, you can build your collection over time.

Step 4 - Home sweet home

There are two key things to think about - framing and placement. Firstly, find yourself a framer you can trust and remember the additional cost of framing before a purchase. Secondly, decide what you are trying to achieve with the space before placing a work of art. Build a map of your home in your head which identifies weak spots or areas that could benefit from a bright splash of colour or an eye-catching sculpture. Don’t be afraid of change, move works around and play with the space.

Top Tip: Pay that little extra for ‘art’ glass - it makes the world of difference in terms of appearance and protection, preserving the work for longer