This is very welcome news to gallerists and our clients alike.
However there are many caveats and with forgeries, misnomers and myths shrouding the art market many people are easily put off or confused.
As dealers we know that buying wisely is crucial.
At the Art Hound we source and buy works from all over the world ourselves so we are well aware of the complexity involved in investing well.
We believe a good overall approach is to create a balanced collection.
This means a focus on works by the tried and tested big names whose reputations protect their pricing and mitigate against the whims of fashion. However that isn't to say that these works should not sit alongside works by certain emerging contemporary artists whose careers are taking off. If selected carefully these works can offer great returns too.
One of the most common mistakes we encounter is the idea of finding the "next big thing" in an unknown randomly discovered artist. When buying work by a contemporary artist credentials are key. Ask where the artist trained, and where they have exhibited. A top art school and inclusion in shows at the Tate gallery inspires more confidence than local drawing classes and an exhibition down the pub.
Ultimately art work is to be enjoyed and treasured in and of itself but with shrewd investment you can expect good returns and enjoy stunning works in your home at the same time.
We also don't think that investing in art should be the reserve of the super rich. Many of our works can now be purchased over 10 months interest free through Own Art ( an Arts Council Scheme) making investment very affordable.
Here are three of our top picks from our current works by which cover different aspects and price points within a collection:
"The Godfather":
K is for King by Sir Peter Blake
£2100
Sir Peter Blake (born 1932) is often hailed as the ‘Godfather’ of British Pop Art. His work invokes American 20th century pop culture as viewed through the lens of a British fan, whilst retaining a curious sense of ‘Englishness’ through a obsession with Victoriana and folk tradition. Elvis and Coca-Cola sit alongside Alice in Wonderland accompanied by Victorian school and circus alphabets.
"The Rock Star":
Shark (Spin Painting) by Damien Hirst
£6000
Winner of the Turner Prize in 1995, Damien Hirst was one of the infamous YBAs (Young British Artists) who gained notoriety in the 1990s. During this period, Hirst’s career was closely linked to the collector Charles Saatchi, who paid to fund the creation of one his masterpieces ‘The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living’, a shark floating in formaldehyde, caught by a commissioned Australian fisherman.
Hirst is arguably the most famous British artist working today.
"The Rising Star":
Dimensional Flux by Lauren Baker
£1075
Lauren Baker is a British contemporary multidisciplinary artist who exhibits internationally. Her work explores the fragility of life, energy-fields, the after-life and other dimensions. Using neon light to express her positive messages and life mantras, she aims to raise the vibration of love and connection in the world.
Lauren has created installations at The V&A, Tate Britain, ran an art workshop at Tate Modern and directed the windows of Selfridges.
