For most of us, acquiring art is a very personal experience. You may be an aficionado who is looking to fill your home with provocative art, intent on evoking lively conversation from visitors. Perhaps you’re increasing your collection in a bid to get your own creative juices flowing. Alternatively, your primary reason for making a purchase may be to add the finishing touch to a room that is otherwise perfect.
Regardless, if there’s one thing most art fans can agree on, it’s that there’s nothing quite like that feeling one gets when a piece that’s caught your eye finally takes its rightful place in your home. Most will agree that few things can lower the blood pressure and bring a feeling of tranquillity as successfully as losing yourself in a new piece, leaving your world, and entering one that has been created at the hands of a master.
Ever had the same feeling when you’re checking the price of your Exxon Mobile shares, or when you’re keeping an eye on the price of Procter & Gamble? Nor me…
As well as buying a beautiful work of art for the purposes of enjoyment, many collectors like to give thought to investing in art for financial gain. Some do so with the intent of selling down the line, others, to have an asset that will steadily increase in value, often at a better rate than other investment options.
If you’re reading this blog, the chances are that you’re considering either increasing your collection, or maybe even dipping your toe in the water for the first time. And why not?
Da Vinci or Dow Jones?
It’s true that, when speculating, there’s always a chance the stakeholder will make a profit on their investment. However, with a fluctuating stock market and a global economy that has been unstable for some time, there’s no guarantee a foray into the stock market will end a positive one. If it does, the path along the way can often be torturous, filled with stomach-churning twists and turns. When the time comes to get out, this can leave the investor with a feeling more akin to anguish or relief, rather than one of satisfaction.
Art, on the other hand, offers the best of both worlds. While your investment will often have the potential to yield returns on a par with the greatest investments in the stock market, the journey is often far more palatable.
From the moment you start your search for the perfect piece, right up until the intense feeling of satisfaction when it finally adorns your wall, the journey can be exhilarating. And it doesn’t end there. Every time you gaze your eyes upon it, the experience can be different. You may spot something you haven’t seen before, despite having been hypnotised by it a thousand times. The emotions aroused in you can change from one glance to the next.
There’s also that special feeling of knowing that you are in possession of something original, something unique – a feeling that can’t be replicated from penny shares or blue-chip stocks.
The Value of an Experienced Consultant
As you become more personally invested, the likelihood is your own tastes will play an increasing role in your choices. As your collection grows, you’ll no doubt start painting a picture (if you’ll pardon the pun) of what your collection is going to look like down the road. Exciting as this is, it’s human nature to be overcome with emotion when seeing a piece that you just know will complement the collection you have. And that is where a consultant comes into their own.
Our experts can advise you in every area – from valuation to aesthetics – helping bring poise to your decision so that your passion and wisdom come through in equal measure during the decision-making process.
