Archive News

Collecting art - for love or money? - 03 Feb 2010

Collecting art - for love or money?

Collecting art for some is not solely a desire to own beautiful pieces of art work. For many, buying art is a form of investment.

But what makes a good investment, and what determines the market value of an object d’art that is intrinsically sought after for its aesthetic appeal?

This, and what is happening in the New Zealand art market, is the subject of Art+Investment, a presentation by art collector and auctioneer, Ben Plumbly, at Tauranga Art Gallery, 6pm Wednesday 10 February.

Plumbly, founder and director of ART+OBJECT art auctioneers, works with clients to help them build and manage their collections, particularly in the fields of Contemporary and Modern art and photography.

“Buying and collecting art is one of the most rewarding and enriching investments you can make,” says Plumbly, who himself collects works by young and mid-career photographers and artists such as Gavin Hipkins, Yvonne Todd, Laurence Aberhart and Michael Parekowhai.

“Art is to be loved and enjoyed. But whether or not people choose to collect art for financial gain, or purely for a love of art, is something I hope to address during the evening’s presentation.”

Plumbly is also the New Zealand contributor for the Australian Art Market Report, covering aspects of collecting and the New Zealand art market.

Admission to Art+Investment is by gold coin donation, and bookings are essential on 578 7933.