Art Investment

Riffy70

Is contemporary Scottish art worth investing in? I have bought a painting by Jamie O'Dea. Any advice will be much appreciated.

DiggerUK

I've got a fantastic collection of my grandkids pictures, wouldn't part with them for all the gold in China..._

jimjames

Buy pictures to look at, I wouldn't expect them to rise as an.investment, if they do then that's a bonus

Riffy70

I really bought the piece as an anniversary gift. It's more than just nice to look at. He better like it!

Atreyu107

How long's a piece of string?

With 'regular' investments there are all sorts of metrics you can use to measure the potential of a return.

Unless you're talking about established artists, art is a 'nice to have', not an investment.

Freecall

I think that you may be asking on the wrong site.

Folks on here tend to have knowledge in finance rather than art and very few would be prepared to invest in something that they don't understand.

Riffy70

I also have my eye on a vintage Eldor watch. But need to wach I don't end up with tat.

lawriejones1

Buy good pieces from established artists at reasonable prices. I collect illustrations and art from books and comics, which if you invest in good original pieces, can be a decent investment. I own a few original watercolours from published books like Winnie the Pooh and Rupert the Bear, and they look brilliant on the wall.

I also collect (loose term) modern art stuff by named artists. All limited edition prints from people like Peter Blake, Billy Childish, Tracey admin etc. All under £100 and worth a punt, and have wide appeal. I regret missing out on some cheap Banksy originals though, they would have been worth a fortune!

pandora205

I collect contemporary art but mainly for my own pleasure. It is very difficult to do this as an investment. A useful book is The Art of Buying Art by Alan Bamberger, which goes through the whole process. Two of the main points that he makes are: most limited edition prints are worthless and rarely an investment, even from the most famous artists, and, provenance is everything. Many artists produce large numbers of paintings, and this devalues their worth too. You need to ensure paintings are signed and ideally have gallery details on the back, and that you keep all receipts. He is pretty scathing about Ebay etc. recommending art auction houses such as Bonhams and Christies. Paintings should be looked after, away from sunlight, stored in a dry place in bubble wrap, etc. too.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Art-Buying-Alan-Bamberger/dp/1933295201

I just collect stuff I like and look after it. If it appreciates in value that's a bonus. Of course, there can be bargains out there, especially from up and coming artists in their youth but there are few guarantees of successful investment.

Riffy70

Thanks for your wise words. Unfortunately the book you have recommended is quite expensive. I wonder if my library would have a copy. I have also been looking into auction houses. I've decided not to buy a print signed by a famous writer. I find the art word rather fascinating. Of course we all buy things we like the look of at times. It's not all about cash. I also have a desire to collect signed first editions of books I like.

SailorSam

You only need to watch some of these Tv programmes where they have 'experts' buying art & collectibles then later trying to sell at auction. Some you win, some you lose. Even an expert couldn't tell you 'cos fashions change.