Buying Art as a Beginner

Framing tips, honing your taste, and galleries to know as well as your usual dose of inspiration and recommendations

This month’s newsletter is all about Art, a sentence that once upon a time would have probably made me exit quickly and dismissively, thinking ‘nope, not for me’. Thankfully I’ve now realised that while yes, art can be as exclusive and elusive, it can also be inclusive, affordable, friendly and not at all scary to buy.

I’ve been very London-based over the last few months which I’ve decided is the best at this time of the year. This is the first year in a long, long time I am feeling properly festive; no moving house, no renovations, no Covid restrictions, lots of reasons/need to be merry and bright. I’m trying to do rather than just think about doing this year which is something I’m very guilty of at times when it comes to anything outside of work, my usual social life and life obligations. To be fair, for so many years, it feels like I haven’t had much of a window to do the extra stuff so I’m trying to make up for it this year. Skating at Somerset House is in the diary, the Interior Boot Sale isn’t far away and I have a weekend in Somerset coming up which will be finally exploring Bath and its Christmas markets and shops properly (I say properly because the only other time I’ve been was when I was 18 and hanging out at All Bar One). I’ll be away but Spotlight Market on December 3rd is most definitely one for your diaries if you’re in the market for new interior bits too. Definitely a month of doing (while also finding time to be horizontal and watch some of many, many movies dropping into cinemas) so hopefully there’ll be lots below to keep you inspired in this month’s newsletter.

1: star garland - 2: ceramic lamp - 3: pyjama jacket

A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO ART

The beginner in question here is yours truly. Yep, it’s only in the last few years I’ve gotten more into art, mostly because I’ve had a few more walls to hang it, and while I would in no way back myself to know my Manets from my Monets, I like to think I’ve learnt a lot and have got a few sources for emerging artists and tips up my sleeve when it comes to buying pieces to love.

I think like a lot of people, I was intimidated by art for a long time. It has a rep for being expensive and I think we worry too much about whether the art we like is ‘good’, and by ‘good’ I mean acceptable to others. One of the great things about getting into art and buying art for your home is it means you have to really get to grips with what you like. Unlike nearly everything else in your home, art is simply there to be enjoyed so you really do need to love it. Even things like cushions, curtains, vases and lamps have a function and can be ‘justified’ somewhat. Art on the other hand is exactly what it says on the tin; art! And for that reason, I think it sometimes feels like an indulgence or an after-thought for your home, an indulgence once you’ve got everything else sorted. I was definitely guilty of thinking that at times throughout my twenties and early thirties, but I’ve come to realise what an integral role art can play in a room. And I’m not talking about a huge piece that costs 4 figures and then some (although that would be nice). It can be the tiniest, simplest oil painting from a junk shop or market, but it can still make a little corner sing. As is the way with so many of the best things in life, art is subjective and once you accept that what you like and what everyone else likes doesn’t have to align for the art to be ‘good’, you can start filling your home with pieces that make you smile/think/feel on a daily basis.

So where to begin? Junk shops, markets, car boots and the likes of Vinterior/Decorative Collective are great to places to start scouring and hone your taste. Personally, I love a mix of aesthetics and styles. Old oils in crusty frames next to contemporary paintings, photography and pencil etchings feel more authentic and curated than a singular medium. One of my favourite pieces in the whole house I picked up from the Interior Car Boot Sale for £50; one person’s trash is another person’s treasure remember.

If you want to buy new art by up-and-coming artists, there has never been a better time or a wealth of ways to discover them. Partnership Editions is an amazing place to start your collection. Founder Georgia Spray has a great eye for spotting new talent and giving them a platform to reach a wider audience. Right now, my favourite artists on Partnership Editions are Jessica Palermo, Georgia Beaumont, Joseph Dupreé and Morag Caister. I also love Blue Shop Cottage and Wondering People for discovering young, new artists at affordable prices - lots of pieces are under £250. IOTA Edit is probably one of my favourite all-round curations of art, ceramics and antiques. I recently bought a piece by Román Serra Cisneros from them for £160 and never fail to discover new makes and artisans through them. King & McGraw is a great place for buying posters and prints that feel one step above the usual typography poster stores and often collaborate with artists like Hormazd Narielwalla on prints and lithographs.

FRAMING IS EVERYTHING