Art as an Investment:
After property, Art is considered the most profitable avenue of
investment by the "big boys", that's to say the fund managers
and guardians of pensions! At this level, money is in plentiful
supply and as long as it turns a profit all is well. Therefore,
these people go to the top auctions houses like Sotheby's and
Christie's and bid for paintings by artists of considerable
reputation and stature. Something by one if the impressionists
such as Cezanne or Van Gogh is going to set you back several
million. The bank or investment fund will buy the painting,
providing their bid is sufficient and then keep it in the
boardroom or perhaps even send it out to exhibitions as this
provides an advertising opportunity. After a few years have
elapsed and the value of the work is felt to have increased it
will then be sold on, yielding the owner a substantial profit.
Regrettably, as individuals we ware not in that league Money
will not be so plentiful and thus certainty in making a profit
by investing in works of art becomes a much more risky
affair, because, it is important to grasp, art has not real
intrinsic value. It fetches the price that a buyer is prepared
to pay, that's all! So for the most part the private investor is
going to have to speculate within the ranks of lesser known
artists. Unless you have done your homework, thoroughly, the
picture you like so much at the Gallery around the corner by the
unknown artist who happens to be the owner's boyfriend, will
fetch less than you paid five years down the road. So what to do?
None of this means you should not buy art. For a start, buy what
gives you pleasure which in the end will far outweigh any
financial loss you are likely to make.
However, if you want to invest, you will need to research the
art world quite thoroughly. Chose an artist whose work lies
within your means. Watch auctions and notice whether or not
examples of his or her paintings or drawings are increasing in
price. This will take a little time. However, thanks to the
internet we are all able to access considerable amounts of
information relatively quickly. Once you have done that, follow
the auctions. Attend a few, and when you feel confident make a
bid. You may or may not be successful, but it's a start.
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