Collect Art specialises in Modern British artists including Geoffrey Key, Theodore Major and LS Lowry.
1 How did you get your start?
I was a collector before becoming a dealer and started off buying art like many of my clients, going what I call ‘shotgun’. At first, I just bought art that I liked, but it then soon became apparent that I needed to get more focused on quality pieces and what would hold or improve its value over time, rather than buying a pretty picture with a probably more expensive frame.
So, over the years, I focused on building my collection and after some time decided this was the job for me.
Martin Heaps of Collect Art.
2 Have you noticed any collecting trends in the last 6-12 months?
It has been a very interesting 12 months for art collectors and we have seen some really good results in the online-only salerooms.
It seems that people are looking to sell selective paintings after seeing some great returns because of online bidding where people might get a little carried away at home!
3 Who do you admire from the art and antiques world?
I certainly admire the artist Geoffrey Key. He’s a gentleman and a super artist and collector.
I also admire the work of Theodore Major and the way he accumulated his work to show people a record of time in the industrial world in which he lived in – a curator of what was happening around him and the way he explained it in his work.
4 What is one great discovery you’ve made?
One great discovery has been framing. I used to believe that a good painting was just a good painting, but I’m certainly now convinced that a handmade and finished frame makes all the difference.
I started to use Exhibit 1 in Leeds. Ashley, the owner, is a superb craftsman, the frames are a work of art and they certainly make a big difference in the way the art is displayed.
5 One lesson you would like to pass on to others?
Buy the best, it always sells.
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