Collecting craft

‘Like all true collectors, the serious collector of contemporary art is driven as much by compulsion as desire. They do it because they have to. It is this unceasing determination that defines what they do, and makes them so untiring in pursuit of their quarry.’ (‘Owning Art, The Contemporary Collector’s Handbook’, Louisa Buck and Judith Greer)

Collecting is a hobby to some; to others it’s a serious, professional activity. But whatever the level of interest, it is something that is open to all – from small beginnings can evolve a passion lasting many years.

People collect for many reasons: as a commemoration of family history, for example, or a sentimental connection; for the love of beauty or for an idea. The collection may begin with items the buyer was attracted to by happenstance, and then expand into a passion: for antiques, for records, for stamps, or for something quite specific and unusual, such as Toby Jugs. A collection may be as broad as a period of design, like Art Deco, or as precise as the props from a favourite film.

It’s no different for the collector of craft: it’s a search for the unique among objects within an area of personal interest. Fundamental to collecting craft is that the craft object has been created by a craftsman, with all the hand-made nuances a manufactured object will often lack. Indeed, with manufactured work the most collectable pieces are often those that are different because the process failed, or was speedily supplanted: such as incorrectly printed stamps, or first runs of limited availability. The collectors’ thirst for the unusual or unobtainable can be a driving force and an irresistible challenge.

Building a collection can be an expensive pastime. But this need not be the case – it depends on what you collect. Besides, items from makers can increase in value as they establish themselves, and prove to be a good investment.

Help with buying
For advice on collecting and where to start looking for craft, talk to gallery owners, curators and other collectors to find out how, what and why they buy. Auction houses and craft fairs such as Collect provide opportunities to view work and make contact with other collectors.
For more guidance and information on buying and collecting, visit the Own Art website. For collectors in Wales, visit Collectorplan. They also provide interest-free loans to enable people to buy art and craft.

Looking after your purchase
When buying a piece of craft or any one-off object, always remember to ask for it to be carefully wrapped, and for care instructions to be included. The outlet should have a clear understanding of how it should be cleaned and cared for – failing this, the maker will. If specialist assistance is required, the maker should have instructed the outlet, and in turn they should make you aware of this. (For example special display equipment may be required for particular pieces of textiles. This should be identified at the point of sale.)

• 

  Basic points to think about when buying a substantial piece are:
  
  • Keep it out of direct sunlight
  
  • Do you have a shelf or plinth strong enough?
  
  • Are there any special lighting requirements?

• 

  Besides care instructions, you should expect to be provided with a maker’s biography and a statement about the piece. Evidence of the maker and the piece’s origin provides you with its provenance, confirming its status as a piece of art work.
  
  Keeping receipts for your purchase also helps to confirm its value – and where and when it was purchased – should you need to make an insurance claim.