Antiques are for everyone
Monday November 7, 2005 by Paul Martin
If you want to start collecting antiques, there has never been a better time than right now, as the market is at an all time low. Items of Georgian furniture and Victorian Art are 40% down in price, compared with that of 2 years ago. This is because of fashion trends dictating market values, and right now antiques are just not the “must have.” Collectables on the other hand, such as ceramics and glass are at an all time high, so it is a great time to sell them!
My advise at the moment is to get out there and get started by buying furniture for your home. Buy things that are practical and decorative, so you can use them everyday. If you look after them, then over a period of time they will become that, “good investment.”
Try and buy from good antique shops where possible. Take your time looking over the item, gain the dealers trust. Absorb his knowledge and do comparables. If you are buying a large item, ask them to deliver your item, so you can see the item in situ before buying. But knowing what to look for can be difficult! Do what I do, have a check list to run through and stick to it.
For furniture
- The piece should have a good sense of proportion in relation to the space you have
- Furniture should have a timeless appeal, (more sculptural and naive, rather than ornate)
- Good original patina and varied degrees of colour and hue is important. This will give the piece vitality, individuality and personality
- Never buy over restored items. They will never appreciate in value, no matter how good the job as it renders them lifeless.
- Any items of furniture with handles should have its original set. Check that there are no other holes around the existing handles and no changes in the wood colouring
- Stay away from items with woodworm, even if they have been treated.
- Your item of furniture should be comfortable to sit at and sit on (if a chair or table etc.)
- Buy something that makes you want to touch it and something that makes you smile when you see it.
For fine art
- Try and buy portraits of women, they always sell-on well
- If choosing a portrait of a gentleman, he should ideally be in military uniform. They are a better investment
- Landscapes are a better investment than still life pictures. i.e Vases of flowers/ bowls of fruit
- Landscapes should hopefully have some foreground figures or animals
- Pictures that are signed and dated by the artist, will give history and provenance
- Try to buy pictures in their original frame. You can check by looking at the reverse side, for signs of new nails and pins, and extra holes in the frame. If there is, the picture frame has probably been replaced and been through the trade. This will devalue it.
