Buying art for the first time can seem like a bit of a minefield. A daunting leap into the unknown. But it really needn’t be. While not everything you buy is going to turn into a Banksy-esque heirloom that will sell at Sotheby’s for millions of quid, the main thing is that it brings you joy.
And despite common misconceptions that the art world is for the wealthy, but something that brings you joy doesn’t always come with a cost.
Next weekend, the Manchester Art Fair arrives for 2024, with some of the best art and artists in the region – and beyond – descending on the city for its biggest annual event, showcasing art in all its glorious disciplines, from painting to sculpture to graphic design.
It’s a great opportunity to dive in and buy something, whether it’s the first piece in your collection or the latest thing to adorn your walls.
We sat down for a chat with Jacob Longcake from Salford-based printmaking studio Hot Bed Press to get a few tips on how to navigate the first purchases which could be the first of a burgeoning collection…
Think local
“Find your local area, your local galleries, DIY events. If there are open studios [events], go to them, meet artists, build a bit of a network. It’s almost like a social life, and that’s the nice thing about it. Sometimes you get to know the artist themselves, hopefully. Go to art fairs, in most towns and cities, you’ll find one. It’s about developing a network, and getting yourself out there. I always find a lot of [artists I like] through Instagram, and then it’s like a chain reaction, you find more and more people.”
Get out there
“Attend some big events first [to find what styles of art you like], like Manchester Art Fair. There you can see a broad range of things. You’ve got things like The Manchester Contemporary, different gallery spaces, artists with their own gallery spaces and workshops. It’s just a good way to dip your toe in, get networking and also suggestions from other people. People are always more than happy to offer advice and help.”
Start with prints
“One of the big advantages of artists working with prints is being able to do edition prints, and split the cost of producing the work across multiple artworks, and make it more affordable for collectors. It allows room for experimentation too, trying ideas out before committing. And you can carry ideas across one medium or one process to another.”
Know your editions
“When you’re buying printed editions, smaller editions can be slightly more expensive, because the cost is split across fewer art works, where larger editions will be a bit cheaper. Certain processes might lend themselves to only having an edition of one. So, that’s going to be a very valuable artwork. And say if you buy something that’s one of 10, the only group of those artworks in the world. They’re limited runs, if it’s one of 10, they make 10, and that’s it.”
Manchester Art Fair and The Manchester Contemporary are taking place at Manchester Central from 15th – 17th November.
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