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How to be a Responsible Collector

Collectors of art fall into two basic categories. The first is the collector that decides to live with art, buys it until all the walls are filled, and then stops. The second revels in the experience of collecting, and like the artist, feels compelled by some greater force to continue with this passionate relationship, regardless of the decorative or functional aspects.

What many collectors do not realize, is the process is not over once the piece is hung. It becomes even more vitally important to become a responsible collector if you are collecting museum quality artists. Following, I have outlined the three basic areas that require attention from all collectors.

The Expert Versus the Object: Judging Fakes and False Attributions in the Visual Arts
The authenticity of art has always commanded the attention of experts, dealers, collectors and the art-minded public - especially those who relish the Robin Hoods of art forgery who deceive rich collectors and pompous experts. This book os essays, edited by a lawyer specializing in art law and authenticity, proposes to make the question of authenticity more easily understood. The mainpoints to be argues are (1) that the pereption of form in a work of art is not like other types of evidence accepted in courts of law; (2) that in determining authenticity, experts must adopt a careful, organized approach; (3) that all authentication should be based on the consensus of experts at arm's length from an object

Documentation

It is important to professionally document each piece of art in your collections. This could prove to be an invaluable resource, should the need arise for restoration, or in the event of damage. The best and most economical form of documentation is a digital image. Should be properly documented and should include The artist's name, title of work, date of completion, media, and dimensions. Also, an indication of top and front is advisable. Remember to keep a back up of this information somewhere.

Biographical Information

It is also important to keep yourself informed about the artists activities, and save related materials. Write-ups and reviews, as well as exhibition announcements should be kept on file for each artist in your collection. This will increase the value of the work as an artists career develops. Minimally, you should keep an up-dated biography or artist resume. Several collectors also ask the artist to write a brief statement about their particular work. This is not always possible, but if you have contact with the artist, it is an additional luxury that only collecting living artists affords.

Provenance

In most cases, if you have purchased a piece directly form a gallery or the artist, the artwork does not have a history of having been in prior exhibitions or collections. But, occasionally if a specific piece you own has been previously exhibited or owned, this should be recorded accurately, and is referred to as the provenance.

Keeping accurate records regarding your collection will allow for immediate access to current information for future exhibitions and catalogs. It is necessary backup for insurance and tax purposes. As your collection grows, it is a good idea to get a periodic professional appraisal.

Finally, as a courtesy to the artist, it is always a good idea to contact them when you move or sell the art. Artists need to have access to their work for retrospectives or survey shows.

If all of this sounds overwhelming, it is not meant to. Remember, you, as well as the artist, are becoming a part of history-if you make the commitment to become a responsible collector.

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