5 steps to starting your art collection, according to a fine art expert

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Does anything say you’ve made it quite like having your own art collection? Acquiring pieces you love, discovering new favourite artists and getting in early on rising stars of the art world: it sounds like a far-off dream life. But it’s actually more achievable than you might think.

That’s because when it comes to creating a long-term art collection you love and that will stand the test of time, the hardest part can be simply starting. But how do you do that?

We went to the experts to find out.

Rachel Simkiss from Clarendon Fine Art — *Rachel Simkiss, brand director at Clarendon Fine Art*

Clarendon Fine Art, a luxury contemporary British gallery with its flagship location in the heart of Mayfair, is the place to go for elegant, high-end art, with a portfolio of more than 150 artists, covering a broad cross-section of artwork from the 18^th and 19^th century through to post-war and contemporary artists. And if you want to know which artists you should have on your radar? Look no further than the enigmatic Rachel Simkiss, brand director at Clarendon Fine Art, who has been in the art business for more than twenty years.

Simkiss knows exactly how to find art that speak to you personally, that you’ll want to live with forever – and how to find incredible up and coming artists. And, excitingly, now’s the time to start collecting. “There’s never been a better or more exciting time to start your own collection,” the brand director tells The Luxe Review, “The lockdown seems to have brought out so much creativity and we’re finding new talent and new methods all the time.”

There’s never been a more exciting time to start your own collection…

“At Clarendon Fine Art, we have over 150 artists within our portfolio covering artwork and artists from 18^th and 19^th century to post war and contemporary – a broad cross section.”

Here, Simkiss reveals her expert insights on exactly how to start your art collection. There’s a fine art to it…

Be passionate about your collection

“The main thing is to start with is passion. When collecting art, it’s very subjective, and you’ve got to connect with the piece you’re buying. There isn’t a right or wrong way when buying because it’s so personal. What you might like and what someone else will like will vary dramatically! The most important thing I would say is do you have a connection with the art, and emotional attachment.”

Simkiss at Clarendon Fine Art gallery

Choose pieces with your rooms in mind

“In lockdown we’ve spent more time at home than ever before, and I think everyone is noticing particular walls that feel bare. The fact that art really transports you – and I believe it transforms your life – we’ve seen more enquiries than ever

“When choosing, it really depends on a number of things, but particularly where you are looking for: which room, and even which house. Art changes the dynamic of a room. In your dining room, a piece of art might be a great conversation starter, for example. But you might want a different vibe for something hanging above your bed.

“Think about what other artists or paintings you like. What style are they? Figurative, landscape, cityscapes, seascapes… are they moody, full of colour or black and white? It’s such a personal decision, and it can be a very exciting journey.”

Investing in art should be an emotional investment first. A monetary investment, in some ways, should be a bonus….

Keep it personal

“The first thing to think about when buying art is that it’s going to be hanging on your wall and you’ll be seeing it every day. With that in mind: buy something that you love, something that ‘speaks to you’, which you can connect with, as its really personal. But when it comes to investment – that’s very different.

“My first piece was an LS Lowry print. I grew up in the Midlands, and my grandmother came from there and introduced me to a lot of 20^th century artists. She studied in Paris and lived in the Latin Quarter – she was very artistic and a real influence. Every time I look at that print, I’m transported back to time with her.

“I discovered the artist Christian Hook’s work while in Gibraltar one year, and that was a huge moment for me personally – and I now represent him in the UK and globally.”