Advice on Collecting Art - a Gallerist's Guide...
- Emily Hadley
- Oct 2
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 17
My journey into representing artists from my own home began because I genuinely believe that art is THE thing that brings a home to life, adding colour, soul and so much beautiful character. But let’s keep it simple. The first rule for any collector - whether you’re a seasoned expert or just starting out - is to buy what you love. Forget the noise, the trends and what that friend of yours who knows a bit about the art market says. The real magic happens when you look at a painting, a print or a lovely piece of pottery and feel that genuine electric jolt. That deep, personal connection is the only thing that matters and it’s why you should trust your eye.
Here is some of my best advice on collecting art, a gallerist's guide!
Buy with your eyes, not your ears. It’s easy to get swept up in what people are saying, but the real connection comes from how you see and feel about the work in front of you. Trust your own eye - it rarely leads you wrong.
To hone that instinct, you just need to keep looking. Spend a quiet Saturday afternoon visiting local galleries or art fairs, linger over the textures of vintage finds at a market or peruse art books with a cuppa. Instagram is another treasure trove for discovering artists, let the algorithm do some of the work! Once you have an idea of what makes your heart sing, you will start to recognise galleries that align with your taste. A good one will respect your budget and help you curate a collection that truly aligns with your aesthetic
When it comes to displaying your finds, remember that the most captivating homes tell a story that’s rarely linear. Feel free to combine different styles and remember that when it comes to art, price is never the only measure of value.
A beautifully framed (the importance of framing is a whole other article!) child’s drawing can have as much impact and bring the same level of joy as an expensive original painting.
Match a hand-thrown vessel with a deeply resonant modern message, alongside a quirky vintage portrait or hang a bold abstract piece over a traditional fireplace. This layering creates a gorgeous dialogue between objects that feels vibrant and deeply personal.
Ultimately, if a piece makes your heart skip a beat, that is your signal to lean in.
Stretch for it if you can. An artwork that brings you joy every single day is an investment in your well-being and it’s one of life’s simplest pleasures that keeps on giving.
I always say, don’t feel intimidated, the best galleries will respect your genuine passion so don't hesitate to ask about a payment plan to make that cherished piece yours.
Consider yourself warned however: The excitement of adding a new piece to your collection is potent, and this hobby can quickly become an obsession!
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