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BUYING THE BEST VALUE ANTIQUES: FIVE MUST-ASK QUESTIONS
With the huge range of antique shops, dealers, flea markets and galleries, it can be hard to know where to start collecting.
Antiques expert Iain Brunt is the founder of Antiques. co. uk, the UK’ s most established online antiques marketplace. He believes that there are crucial questions to ask before you start spending.
From Iain’ s many years of experience at galleries in New York, London, Paris and Japan comes this list to help you choose the best value antiques.
Observe before questioning: Your eyes will provide the answers to anything you need to know. Look carefully and try to learn from your mistakes. Don’ t be overwhelmed by your excitement – never buy unless you are completely sure.
Look closely: Inexperienced buyers often don’ t properly look at the item. Ask yourself what it is that makes this piece so special?
Visit museums – and don’ t rush: Prepare for the moment of buying your first piece by visiting museums. Look closely at pieces and styles. When buying, ask yourself whether the piece is good enough to be in a museum. If your answer is yes, buy it – but don’ t rush.
Choose a period and object that you like: Visit museums, shops, galleries and exhibitions that deal with the subject you’ re interested in. Talk to expert dealers. Searching online is a good place to start learning.
Buy the best you can afford: There’ s no point buying several lesser quality works when you could invest in one really good piece. Apply your business filters, but the main requirement is that you like it.
Iain adds:“ Remember: you must enjoy the piece you’ ve bought … and have some fun discovering the world of antiques.”
antiques. co. uk
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