Information on Buying Art - Investment

Adamo 2008

How important is it to you that the artwork you choose fits with your environment?

Like it or not, the art we choose for our own home, will say quite a bit about us. In a home space, some people like to surround themselves with art that means something to them. Others may wish to make a statement to shock, relax or energise a room. It can be a focus or it can be used to compliment. – it is certainly one of key ways in which we can truly personalise a space and make it our own – after all original artwork is exactly that – original – a one-off – owned only by you – and a way in which just like the clothes we wear – it is a way in which we can express ourselves.

I also find that art forms an effective counterbalance against the amount of technology that we are surrounding ourselves with, often helping to soften the lines in a room and helping to create real points of interest and personal expression.

At Bo-ho, we are finding people in droves seeking to move away from the Habitat and Ikea print and instead, seeking to furnish their home with something original, special to them.

Where to start?

When buying art for example, I think it is important to recognise this and to use artwork that is likely to fit with the aspirations of your target tenant, and naturally artwork which is of an appropriate standard to fit with the way in which the apartment has been furnished.

We always recommend clients to consider how they will spend their time in particular spaces in the home. Some pieces are more liveable on a day to day basis than others. For example, in the lounge where we usually spend most of our time – it often makes sense to use pieces that we will enjoy looking at for long periods – perhaps they are slightly quieter or gentler pieces. Whereas, in the dining area – you may want pieces that are livelier – perhaps provoking conversation when entertaining.

The bedroom we will leave to your own imagination!

What are people buying?

As we see increasing numbers of people buying into the concept of city living and the whole open plan, clean, contemporary way of decorating interiors, As you would expect, we are seeing increasing moves away from the more traditional landscapes, oil paintings – through to contemporary, modern pieces of work. Original work is certainly sought after. Seeing a real boom in abstract work, cityscapes are also very popular.

Commissioning?

Any size, any colour, diptychs or triptychs. Still giving the artist the freedom to express themselves, however, also giving them the challenge of creating something that is sympathetic to the space in which it will be shown. Also seeing a lot of new materials being used – metal, glass, even sand!The growth in unframed work – work on canvas or board – helping to give those clean and contemporary lines. Original sculpture is also proving popular – dramatic pieces which if positioned correctly help to create a real focus point in the room.

How to Own Art

Under the ‘Own Art’ scheme it is possible to go into a participating outlet or gallery, details of which can be found on the Arts Council of England website and simply choose any piece of work that you want (within a £100-2,000 price bracket). From there members of staff will help you to fill out the necessary paperwork, provided that you have proof of identification (a passport or driving licence and proof of address, such as a utility bill) and will then offer you an interest free loan, subject to credit status, which will be payable by direct debit

Benefits of ‘Own Art’

The Own Art scheme enables customers who may not usually buy art to start a collection, safe in the knowledge that repayments can be paid back at an affordable rate and spread over a reasonable period of time. This leads to a situation where the gallery visitor often views their experience very differently: existing art collectors may choose their purchases more freely, being able to buy throughout the year, whilst new collectors will feel more liable to make a purchase, without feeling hesitant about approaching staff.

Under the Own Art scheme it is possible to own more than one piece of art, so long as the total that you borrow does not exceed £2,000Art pieces over the value of £2,000 may be purchased under the scheme, but the credit that you may borrow can not exceed £2,000. It is possible to commission artworks from artists you like under the Own Art scheme, and the Gallery will help you to do this, provided that the artist is open to commissions.

Investment in Art

We are also seeking increasing numbers of people taking an interest in the “investment” potential of art. Personally, I do prefer it when art is bought emotionally and someone is simply drawn to a piece of work – however- we can’t ignore the fact that certain artists can rise significantly in price.

If investment is an important part of your decision, we can help at a number of levels. From newly graduated talent showing huge promise through to well established, well collected artists, we can help you to develop a strong and appropriate collection for your needs.

Bohemia Galleries advises a number of corporate clients on their collections, a service which requires us to constantly seek out new and emerging artistic talent. We have well established links with all of the key colleges, galleries and art institutions which allows us to identify artists showing real potential.

It is impossible for us to guarantee increases in the value of the art that you buy; however, as an indicator of potential, clients over the past 12 months have experienced gains of up to 100% with purchases made from Bohemia Galleries.

As an example of that, one of our artists – Artiom, (11 years old) who paints these wonderfully contemporary cityscapes – we started supporting him 2 years ago. We advised around 10 clients that he was a very hot prospect and in the last 12 months his work has doubled in price! He is still very young, and still a fantastic prospect that we are confident he has a long way to go in his career.

Art Consultancy

An art co-ordinator is able to call out for a home/site visit free of charge. Alternatively, you can book an appointment to meet one of our art co-ordinators in the gallery.

This site visit enables us to better understand your needs and the space with which you are working. Following the site visit, we will provide you with a number of options and recommendations – geared to suit your needs, space and budget.

To book a no obligation site visit, please contact a member of the corporate team:

Sheana on Tel: 01482 881882
Fax: 01482 881882

Steve on Tel: 01904 466488

Art co-ordinator Email: sheana

Above all,

Art should be a fun and pleasurable experience.