The joy of owning ART
Gallerist and art advisor Megan Dickinson shares top FAQs on buying and installing artwork in your home.
Q: How do I choose a new artwork for my house?
A: I am a huge advocate for having artwork in your home that brings you joy, so first and foremost, love the artwork you are purchasing. It’s also helpful to know the dimensions of the particular wall space, giving you an idea of what size artwork you need to fill the space. More often than not, when you see the ‘right piece’ you will know. Trust your instinct.
Q: Do artworks need to be signed?
A: Yes this is preferable. A signature helps to identify the artist who made it and gives authenticity to the artwork. The most common location for the signature is the bottom right-hand corner accompanied by the year it was completed. Many artists choose to sign their work on the back ‘on verso’ so as not to interrupt the actual image. Sculptural works are usually signed on the underside.
Q: We’ve just moved into a new build and the artwork from our previous house doesn’t work in our new home, is there anything we can do?
A: Yes, this is the perfect opportunity to reassess if you still love the artwork in your collection and cull the pieces that no longer excite you. Quite often existing artworks can be revived with a new frame and a good clean.
Q: How do I know if the artwork is a fair price?
A: Good question. Do your online research about the artist and their exhibition and sales history. The price of the artwork should reflect the reputation of the artist, the size of the artwork and of course, the quality.
Q: When buying artwork online how do I know if the quality is as good as it looks?
A: Request more images of the artwork from different angles. By asking for photos of the back and sides of the artwork, you can determine the quality of the surface and paint or print application, getting a better idea of the overall quality of the artwork. If it’s a large work, ask for a photo including a person standing beside it. This will help you understand the actual size.
Q: Is it ok to hang artwork in a sunny spot in my house?
A: Yes, as long as the artwork is not positioned in direct sunlight, meaning the sunlight doesn’t actually fall on the work, then it’s absolutely fine. If you do have a sunny spot in your house that you want artwork for, there is always the option to choose a sculptural piece that is made of wood, metal or glass that won’t fade or buckle under direct sunlight. Photography in particular is very easily damaged by UV light so take extra care when choosing a position.