How to Buy Art

to

art

welcome

your guide to buying art and VIP invite to the fair

When we launched Manchester Art Fair 15 years ago, we set out to do something different, to create a more inclusive and supportive event for our galleries and artists and to develop a sense of community for the art collectors of the North.

Over the years we’ve built up a wealth of experience and, in this guide, we’d like to share our insider hints and tips on buying art, so that you can get the very best from your art fair experience. There’s also an exclusive invitation for you and a plus one to attend the fair as our special guests.

Over 130 galleries and artists are exhibiting at the fair with a selection of modern and contemporary paintings, limited edition prints, sculpture and photography. This carefully curated selection includes pieces from household names, northern artists, emerging artists and recent graduates.

In addition, we have a full programme of artists talks, guided tours and art workshops as well as the chance to mull over your purchases in the EASEL Bar!

I hope you enjoy this guide and I look forward to seeing you at the fair.

Sophie Helm, Fair Director

how to buy art at manchester art fair

Research reaps rewards

Use Manchester Art Fair’s online exhibitor list at manchesterartfair.co.uk to make a shortlist of stands you want to spend time on: select a tile to scroll through, and click on the website or social media platforms of any you’re intrigued by. We recommend noting down your shortlist by stand number, in numerical order, for ease of navigation on arrival.

You’re at the fair, shortlist in hand… …and you’ve found a stand you’re interested in. Get the exhibitor to talk you through what’s on show: ask them to highlight any particularly unique pieces, or the artists they think are doing the most exciting work.

MARCELLO DISTEFANO, CEO OF SAN CARLO GROUP

Are you into an artist’s style, but not quite sold on a specific piece?

Exhibitors often keep additional work behind scenes. The key is to phrase this positively: you love the work, and want to find something that’s a perfect fit. Ask whether they can show you more; if not, request a portfolio, a price list or ask about commissions to get something to suit your perfectly.

There are over 100 stands to explore So knowing which you’re interested in returning to is paramount. Photographs of notable works, along with the stand’s sign, are an ideal record to review over lunch or a coffee. Just remember to ask the exhibitor’s permission first.

Even better, you can come and go as you please

A Weekend Ticket gives you access to both days of the fair, while VIP Preview tickets also allow entry to the Friday evening preview. Drop back in to catch any pieces you might have overlooked, or to return to something you’ve been mulling over.

“We’ve bought several pieces from Manchester Art Fair over the years, it offers quality, choice and a sense of theatre, just like a great restaurant.”

The artist may be on the stand, but not always

Do check if the person you’re talking to is the creative behind the work. If not, and you’re interested in meeting them, see if they’re available.

But remember, not all artists are extroverts

Artists can be shy, and find talking about their own work difficult: it’s usually more fruitful to ask what they were exploring with a specific piece, and if they can tell you more about their process, than to try to get them to explain the meaning of their work (they will often encourage you to find your own).

Exhibitors can also give excellent recommendations

Once you’ve explored a stand, check to see if there are any other artists there whose work the exhibitor particularly likes. People get to know each other over the years; many monitor each other’s careers and will be up to date with any developments.

“The art you buy is an extension of your personality, so buy what you love. Don’t buy to match the curtains, change the curtains to match a piece the art that you love. Be willing to take the time and make the effort to see lots and lots of art. That way you develop an eye for quality and a confidence in your own taste. So when buying art, I’d say: trust your instincts, but do your research.”

IAN HAY, DIRECTOR OF SAUL HAY FINE ART LTD.

A note on prints versus originals

An artwork is referred to as original when it’s one-of-a-kind, usually created in a way that can’t be reproduced. Prints are either reproductions of the original work, or limited editions; each unique, but created using the same technique.

With prints, there’s usually what looks like a tiny fraction in one corner: the bottom figure is the total number of prints in a series, the top figure tells you which number that specific print is (i.e. how many from the series have already sold).

The lower the total number of prints, the more valuable the run will be. Always check if the print was signed in person.

“It is not often that I get a chance to exhibit outside of London and the South,so it was wonderful to be able to reach a new and receptive audience. People were really willing to engage with my work and there was a good atmosphere across the whole fair, which had both a stylish and accessible feel about it.”

NICOLA SLATTERY RBA, ARTIST.

An artwork has caught your attention – what then?

Imagine it’s installed in pride of place, and your guests get curious. Find out how the piece was made – both the materials and techniques used. Is it part of a body of work or series? Were there any influences the artist was drawing on? If it’s been part of an exhibition, request the details to keep on file.

If there’s a piece you can’t stop thinking about

Understandably, you want to feel confident about what you’re buying. The most effective questions are: has the artist won any awards, appeared in any notable exhibitions or had any high-profile press coverage? Find out if their work is in any public or private collections, as this can boost the value of their output.

Find out as much as you can

You might also want to get an idea of the artist’s background, or whether they do any commercial work, as this can boost their profile. Some exhibitors will be able to tell you whether they’ve seen market value increases, either for specific pieces or across an artist’s portfolio.

Framing the question, questioning the frame

With paintings and prints, it’s not uncommon to like the work, but be unsure about the frame. Don’t be put off: ask if the exhibitor can give you a price for the piece itself, and for any guidance on getting it reframed.

Did you know that not all glass is created equal?

It’s crucial to find out what care an artwork requires. White cotton gloves are recommended for handling some pieces, sculpture especially. For framed works, find out whether Museum Grade glass has been used; this has the highest levels of UV protection, as well as an antireflective surface. Otherwise, you may need to display the artwork out of direct sunlight.

The exhibitor should also be able to talk you through any fixings required. Some artists will include a Certificate of Authenticity, with their work. This may help it holds or increase its future value.

Cassette Tape, Nick Chaffe

what’s different about buying at the manchester contemporary

Adjoining Manchester Art Fair is The Manchester Contemporary, a collegiate fair that presents work by individual artists, artist-led spaces and some of the most groundbreaking UK and international galleries.

Carefully curated by Nathaniel Pitt of Division of Labour, the list of exhibitors showcases the wealth of UK-based talent as well as acting as a platform for international presentations that can only be seen in Manchester.

Sometimes the artworks don’t look like art Even curators can be intimidated by some of the work they see. The trick here is not to worry about not understanding what’s on show. The approach remains the same: what’s the story behind the work? Feel free to ask what the piece actually is, why the artist made the work, and what materials they’ve used.

The artists have museums and galleries in their sights

They are pursuing a career trajectory that, if successful, will see their work included in major exhibitions and public collections. They are hoping to shape modern art movements, even change the way we think about art entirely.

Buying work buys the artist time

You’re not just investing in the work, you’re investing in the artist’s journey. You’re buying the artist time to experiment, develop their ideas, and make the art of tomorrow.