Decorating a home costs money and takes time. In a new occasional series, we speak to the experts to discover how to get things right first time. This issue, Georgia Spray, founder of affordable online art platform Partnership Editions, shares her tips for choosing art
GEORGIA SPRAY’S SITTING ROOM, FEATURING ART WORKS BY RICHARD HART, THINA DUBE & ROSE ELECTRA HARRIS, ALL AVAILABLE AT PARTNERSHIPEDITIONS.COM. IMAGE: THEA LOVSTAD
If you’ve never bought anything more than a poster for your home, where should you begin with starting a collection?
Start by getting your eye in before you buy. I love going to museums and galleries and buy postcards of all the things I love to keep as a memento, as well as saving things that I love on Instagram – whether artworks or pictures of people’s art collections or homes. Then have a look through and see what styles you are drawn to and start to think about how you can acquire those artworks or search for similar pieces. Instagram is a great tool to discover artists and galleries – don’t be afraid to get in touch with people directly to start a conversation. Partnership Editions is an “online art platform”, but our website is only a means to making art collecting more accessible – we still have people on-hand to help start your collection.
Should you think about whether the art goes with your furniture or decor?
I always think it’s better not to try and match your art to your home. Art should have its own narrative, and often art that stands out makes for a more interesting piece. Try to focus on collecting the art that you love and then you’ll find a way of making it work in your home once you’ve bought it. After all, if your home is your curation of your favourite things, then it should go naturally without it having to match.
GEORGIA SPRAY AT HOME. IMAGE: THEA LOVSTAD
What’s a reasonable amount to pay for an original piece of art?
There’s no answer for what is a reasonable amount to pay. There are so many variables that determine how an artwork is priced. It is worth doing your research about how the artwork was made, if it’s a one-off, the size, the artist’s career trajectory and exhibition history. All these things can affect the price of a piece. Don’t be afraid to ask an advisor or an artist why it costs what it does if you don’t think you understand.
How and where should you display your art?
People should just do what feels right to them rather than worrying about following a trend or fitting within criteria. The one thing that I would say is that it’s always worth investing in the frame, as bad framing can ruin a beautiful work of art. Also, don’t be afraid to try things out. People are always so daunted by a white wall – put it up and if it looks strange, change it! Also, moving your artworks around every few months can be a great way to see them in a new light.
ARTWORKS BY CHICA SEAL AND ROSE ELECTRA HARRIS (JUST SEEN). IMAGE: THEA LOVSTAD
If you want to achieve the ‘gallery wall’ look, how can you do it without it looking naff?!
I think it’s important to not try and make it too symmetrical or to overly match your colours. It can help to lay it out on the floor before you hang so that you can get an idea of composition but ultimately, it’s a bit like a game of Tetris – start to build shapes and see where you go!
Have you got any good recommendations for framing?
I think it’s good to establish a relationship with a local framer. Framing is an art in itself, so go and meet them and talk to them about your style and budget. I tend to opt for simple thin faced box-frames to help let the art do the talking, but that’s just personal preference. Also, in order to preserve your artwork you might want to think about using UV protective glass – especially if the image is dark as this will also prevent the glare.
What’s the first piece of art you bought and why did you buy it?
The first piece of art that I owned was a Graham Sutherland print that I was given for my 21st Birthday by my family. I have always loved his work and use of colour. The first piece of art I bought was from my sister who is an artist; a love of art runs through the family.
‘MODEL AND CHILD ON PALE YELLOW WITH PURPLE GROUND’ BY HESTER FINCH, £450; ‘MOON’ BY RICHARD HART, £450; ‘WINKLEY PLANT’ BY ROSE ELECTRA HARRIS, £380 ALL AVAILABLE AT PARTNERSHIPEDITIONS.COM
To coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8, artists Hester Finch, Venetia Berry, Alexandria Coe and Fee Greening have created new original artworks exploring the female gaze, exclusively for Partnership Editions. The online exhibition will explore the female nude through the eyes of the female artists, reclaiming the form to explore ‘How She Looks’ – she being the looker, not just the looked at.
