Art is to be enjoyed, not kept in boxes under the bed!

Sep 14 2009 By The Journal

Andy Balman, co-director of Newcastle Gateshead Art Fair, offers a guide for anyone who's on the art collecting starting blocks.

THE Newcastle Gateshead Art Fair is coming to The Sage Gateshead from October 2 to 4, and I thought it worthwhile to offer some advice on preparing to visit and buy.

Art fairs are a great opportunity to meet artists and dealers directly in an informal setting.

With around 40 galleries from the UK and Europe showing at the third such event – as well as an Emerging Artists showcase – there will be a wide range of work and styles on show.

So, preparation is strongly advised.

When it comes to art-collecting motivation, millionaire art collector Charles Saatchi thinks: "Primarily, buy art to show it off".

Meanwhile artist, Dan Fear says: "Buy art because you like it and because it moves you, and because it enhances your life."

The majority of work bought by people starting a collection will probably use traditional mediums such as paint. When considering a purchase, the display of the work must be taken into account. Where will it hang if it is a picture and what space will it require?

The main thing to consider is light. Avoid direct sunlight wherever possible, particularly with a watercolour, drawing or print.

Display in a stable environment with regards humidity and temperature. If you think that this may be a problem take a photo of the work in situ and repeat in a month or two. If the colour has changed you have a problem and should look for a new location.

Also check the condition of the frame or stretcher, particularly for warping. You must consider the balance between viewing and enjoying the piece and protecting it. Art is to be enjoyed, not kept in boxes under the bed! Look out for the Art Fair supplement in The Journal on September 30, which will have further information on the fair together with a layout of the stands and demonstration areas. Mark the galleries that you are interested in and note the time of any demonstrations, workshops or seminars that you wish to attend.

Catalogues will be for sale at the fair with further info on the galleries; they are worth keeping for future reference.

Check out the website, www.ngartfair.com, and in particular the exhibiting galleries as most will have websites and will be happy to let you know the artists they will be exhibiting.

Remember that galleries will usually expect payment before allowing the work to be taken away. Most will take cards or cash and may well offer interest free with the Own Art scheme.

The Fair is only on for three days (October 2-4) so try and come if only for a short visit and enjoy the experience.