Collections

Why collect art?

When you embark on the journey of collecting art, you’re not just acquiring a series of images – you are taking home tangible slices of art history.

Collectors help to shape how an artwork is experienced and remembered, ultimately moulding the narrative of art itself. To live with an artwork is to experience its physical reality, its tangible qualities as an object, and puts the owner eye-to-eye with the artist.

By purchasing a Picasso etching or a lithograph by Matisse, you are becoming part of that artist’s story, keeping their legacy alive. We may be biased, but the feeling of owning something that has come directly from the hand of a master is unrivalled.

Which artists should I collect?

We have strict guiding principles when acquiring new artworks for our collection. We do not speculate on which burgeoning artist could be the ‘next big thing’ and never take a gamble on trends or fads. Instead, we focus on the well-established household names of the 20th and 21st century, looking for high quality showstoppers by internationally recognised artists.

Artists such as Warhol, Picasso and Hockney, are distinguished in the canon of art history and are among the best artists to invest in. They are in high demand, with broad appeal and a cemented market of repeat sales. They have a proven track record of growth and substantiated potential for future growth.

Art collecting tip: David Hockney lithographs featuring swimming pools are a classic and original Picasso prints featuring doves and harlequins will always be in demand.

What should I look for in an artwork?

We only acquire pieces that we truly believe in and recommend that you do the same. We treat our clients’ money as if it were our own, and when advising on investment we suggest the following:

Go for an artist’s most important imagery. The more iconic an artwork is, the wider its audience will be when seeking a future buyer down the line. Warhol’s soup cans or Picasso’s doves are timeless and have a ready-made international market.
Buy the best example of what you can afford. Simply put, the more you put into an investment, the more you will later get out of it.
Look for hand-signed and low-edition prints, as these will often be the most desirable. The rarer an artwork is, the more sought-after it will be.
Make sure the artwork is in excellent condition. This is an especially important consideration if ever buying an artwork online. For example, Picasso’s colourful prints command the highest prices at auction, therefore it is essential to avoid artworks with any colour fading. Our oldest prints were created over a century ago, meaning that we must take extra care to ensure that an artwork has no foxing on its paper or severe folds from whenever it has previously changed hands. Imperfections will significantly diminish the value of an artwork.
Most importantly, buy something you love! Building an art collection should be an enjoyable experience, so have fun with it.

Who should I buy from?

When investing in art, you want to feel completely confident in your decision. Whilst there is a myriad of ways to collect, buying artworks from a reputable gallery with years of expertise is the most secure approach.

Collectors might make a saving by independently scouring auctions, but the DIY method is not as cost-effective as it may seem. Did you know that auction houses do not guarantee the authenticity of the works that they sell? Instead, their terms and conditions state that buyers should be vigilant themselves. Spotting red flags such as a forged signature or trimmed margins can be difficult without the help of an expert. The price of getting it wrong and losing thousands of pounds far outweighs any short-term savings.

Art collecting tip: Buy artworks from a bricks and mortar gallery where you have the option to view an artwork in the flesh and speak to a real human in person or over the phone.

How long should I hold onto my artwork for?

An investment-worthy artwork is a fantastic long-term asset. Typically, you’ll see better returns the longer you hold onto an artwork for. As a general rule, we recommend that our clients keep their artwork for a minimum of five years in order to get the most from their investment.

At Hidden, we offer bi-annual reviews of an artwork’s value and can provide updates for insurance and commercial needs. Our assistance does not end at the point of purchase, and a member of the team is always on hand to offer support and guidance to ensure that you feel secure in your investment.