Art plays a huge role in making a home feel personal. My clients will often have their own art displayed when I first meet them and what I see hanging on the walls is an interesting, sometimes fascinating, window into their tastes, especially their colour and design preferences.
The Affordable Art Fair has revolutionised and democratised the art market with its accessible approach, bringing art as low as £50 to its three UK locations: Battersea Park, Hampstead Heath, and Bristol. It’s become a global phenomenon with 15 fairs in 11 cities across several continents.
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| Irene Jones' quirky acrylic character ‘Celeste Catro' by Hybrid. 17x17cm, £600. |
Where to Find Art That's Affordable
If you're searching for original art, I highly recommend the Affordable Art Fair coming up in Bristol from 9 – 11 September and London's Battersea from 20 – 23 October.
The Affordable Art Fair has revolutionised and democratised the art market with its accessible approach, bringing art as low as £50 to its three UK locations: Battersea Park, Hampstead Heath, and Bristol. It’s become a global phenomenon with 15 fairs in 11 cities across several continents.
Hundreds of emerging and established artists from across the globe will exhibit their work and this gives visitors the opportunity to view art that may not normally be so easily accessible and the chance to start building a collection of art through the Own Art scheme. This is an interest-free scheme which helps art enthusiasts invest and step onto the ‘art ladder’.
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| Jann Hanworth's Donut-inspired works will be at the fair in September 2016. Jann worked with Sir Peter Blake on the Beatles' Sergeant Pepper album cover, and was part of the British Pop-Art movement. Jann says donuts have become her new inspiration! |
Why Invest in Art?
“Art represents something different to everybody, it’s a complete expression of ourselves and can provide an escape from our everyday stresses. For a lot of people, it makes a house a home. So when choosing a piece of art, the most important thing is to find something that you want to live with. It may be a significant purchase, but you’re going to spend years looking at and enjoying it, and so my advice is to buy what you love and what excites you,” advises Lucy Noel, Affordable Art Fair Hampstead Fair Director.
The beginnings of your collection can be really exciting and you don’t need to be an expert to take the plunge. Becoming a collector requires investment and patience, and over time your taste will develop and change. Learning more about the art world at the fair provides the perfect opportunity to pick the brains of the gallerists about the next big thing. Browse the vast variety of art on offer to discover what resonates with you, art should be an emotional experience - buy what you love and what you want to live with today and every day.”
The beginnings of your collection can be really exciting and you don’t need to be an expert to take the plunge. Becoming a collector requires investment and patience, and over time your taste will develop and change. Learning more about the art world at the fair provides the perfect opportunity to pick the brains of the gallerists about the next big thing. Browse the vast variety of art on offer to discover what resonates with you, art should be an emotional experience - buy what you love and what you want to live with today and every day.”
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Jane Ormes' 'Here's an Owl that can Scowl', Rostra Gallery, 30x28cm, £75. |
“Buying art is a fun and emotionally rewarding experience and no matter whether your taste runs to street art or more traditional painting and sculpture, you will find a piece that will stay with you forever, the key is to buy art that you love," says Sam Gare, Affordable Art Fair Director for Bristol.
If you don’t fancy decorating your whole room why not think about creating a feature wall for your artwork. This with not only create a statement with your decor it will also help your work to stand out and be admired.”
Sam's Top Tips on Displaying Art in the Home:
"When buying art, the chances are the work would have been displayed on a white wall, but in fact a coloured background can be just what it needs. If you have the luxury of decorating your room around your artwork you can choose a colour from within the piece for your walls.If you don’t fancy decorating your whole room why not think about creating a feature wall for your artwork. This with not only create a statement with your decor it will also help your work to stand out and be admired.”
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| Alicia Savage's perfectly pink photographic print. Arusha Gallery. Edition of 5, 50 x 76cm. |