Advisory
Collecting art has been a passion of wealthy individuals, families for centuries but there are many different levels at which you can enter the art market. Interesting collections can be curated on lesser budgets with emerging artists or with less familiar names but from an investment perspective this can be higher risk.More »
What affects value?
Here are some things to consider when collecting art:
PROFILE OF THE ARTIST such as exhibition history or representation in public collections.
RARITY will increase value, a known deceased artist with a small output is likely to be desirable.
AUTHENTICITY It goes without saying that authenticity is of paramount importance but in addition some artists require specialist authentication by a designated expert who holds an established catalogue raisonne (official record of the artist’s output).
FASHION & TRACK RECORD is a big factor and it is often hard to predict where it will go next. Post War and Contemporary is currently the most popular collecting sector but there are also more focussed trends within it for example artwork by young black female artists is currently desirable.More »
Golden Rules
Use an art consultant or buy from a reputable gallery who is a specialist in their field.
Buying at auction can be very worth while but also more risky, look carefully at the catalogue description and know the terminology “after Warhol”, “school of Warhol” “follower of Warhol”. Read the T&C’s and remember to account for buyers’ premium at 29% and artist resale right at 4% (for living artists and those who have died ip to 70 years ago) on top of the hammer price.
If buying contemporary art, take a look at the artist’s biography, exhibition history and if the artist is in any public collections or has an international standing. Many top contemporary artists will have already established a secondary market following which is a good sign. We subscribe to price databases and can check previous sale prices for artists of interest for our clients.
If buying older pieces, review the artist’s track record studying prices on secondary market. Make sure you are comparing like for like in terms of size, medium, condition and provenance.
So what to buy?
Firstly, buy what you love and feel passionately about.
It helps to identify a period or genre to research because the market is so broad. Then you might decide to collect artists from a particular artistic movement or geographic area.
Once you have decided on your area of interest, take some time to observe and research the market. Consider our check list before settling on a particular painting.
Art is an emotional and subjective subject, and unless investment is your primary focus, it is likely to be an emotional decision but you can still make sure it is an informed emotional response. I always recommend giving yourself a 24 hour cooling off period after viewing an artwork you love and to only proceed with the purchase if you can't stop thinking about it the following day.
Market Trends
Every year I look forward to Clare McAndrew's research for Art Basel and UBS, and this year's Survey of Global Collecting is one of the most useful yet. It asked 3,100 high-net-worth collectors across ten markets not just what they are buying, but how and why. Here are the findings I think matter most if you are building a collection right now.
The market is back in positive territory
After two years of decline, global art sales rose 4% in 2025 to an estimated $59.6 billion, and the momentum carried into 2026. Christie's had its strongest first half since 2021 and Sotheby's posted a record one, driven largely by single-owner collections and established names. The middle market has been flatter, but the mood among collectors is far more optimistic than this time last year.More »
Share of collectors who bought work by an artist they discovered that year. Source: Art Basel & UBS Survey of Global Collecting 2026.
Encouragingly, UK collectors bucked the trend: 68% still bought an artist new to them, among the highest of any market.
For me, this is where the opportunity lies. When most buyers crowd around the same safe names, prices there get pushed up, while strong work by less familiar artists can be acquired on very good terms. The key is doing the homework properly, which is exactly what we are here for.More »
How collectors are buying
Dealers remain the backbone of the market: 87% of collectors bought from one, whether in a gallery, at a fair or remotely. The big story, though, is buying directly from artists, which more than doubled since 2024 to 69% of collectors, through studio visits, commissions and Instagram.
Where collectors' money went in 2025/26
Share of total spending by channel; the remaining 29% went through other routes. Source: Art Basel & UBS Survey of Global Collecting 2026.
Buying from a studio can be a wonderful experience, but it is also where collectors have the least protection on price, condition and paperwork. I am always happy to sense-check a studio or Instagram purchase before you commit.More »
Looking ahead
Buyers outnumber sellers: 39% of collectors plan to buy in the coming year against 23% planning to sell, and 58% expect the market to grow over the next twelve months. UK collectors had among the highest intentions to sell (32%), which should mean good material coming to market here at home.
So what does this mean for collecting in 2026?
The market has regained its confidence, but collectors are being sensibly selective. Quality, provenance and a proven track record are being rewarded, and that is no bad thing. At the same time, with so many buyers gravitating to the same names, there is real value in looking a little further afield, provided you do it with your eyes open.
My advice hasn't changed: buy what you love, do your research, know what a fair price looks like, and give yourself that 24-hour cooling-off period. If you would like to talk through where your collection could go next, I would love to hear from you.