Growing, displaying and caring for your collection
Growing Your Collection
Collecting art can be very personal. It is a relationship with both the work and the artist. Prints and originals offer different ways to collect. What's appropriate depends on what speaks to you, on the space you have (are you looking for something intimate - or a statement piece?) looking for your budget
My limited edition prints are a wonderful way to start collecting. My prints really matter to me, and an increasingly important part of my working practice. Each print is professionally produced and then checked, signed and certificated by me.
Going up in scale, my originals on paper feel intimate and immediate. There's no "undo" button in the the way I work and each layer, material, technique and decision can be traced on the paper surface.
Canvas works tend to have a stronger physical presence (I usually use deep canvases). These are multi-layer pieces, and have a more substantial statement piece/gallery feel. This can make them a great focal point for a room. I supply my canvases set off with contemporary floating wood frames, that complement my work, and are neutral to work with a wide range of interiors.
While art collecting is an adventure and can be addictive a great collection does not need to be large. A few well-chosen pieces can create far more impact than many unrelated works.
Displaying Your Pictures
How you display a piece can change the way it is experienced. A work on paper may suit a quieter, more intimate setting such as a bedroom or quiet landing. Canvas works can anchor a wall more strongly and often suit larger living spaces, main hallways, or as focal points in a room. Limited edition prints, because of their size and cost, are more versatile and can be grouped together to create a cohesive display or hung as a single statement piece.
When planning a display, consider both scale and atmosphere. Dramatic work often benefits from breathing space around it, allowing the composition and surface detail to be fully appreciated. If you are hanging several pieces together, try to keep some visual connection between them — through tone, subject, or frame choice — so the arrangement feels intentional rather than crowded.
Caring for Your Collection
Good care helps preserve both the visual impact and the longevity of your artwork. Natural light can be beautiful, but direct sunlight should be avoided, especially for works on paper. Soft, even lighting helps reveal the layers, texture, and mark-making in the work without causing unnecessary fading or glare.
Thoughtful framing also supports the piece visually while helping to protect it over time. Originals on paper are best kept framed behind glass or acrylic, using archival materials wherever possible. This helps protect the surface from dust, moisture, and handling. Many of my pieces come pre-framed, and I am happy to provide suitable frames for all my works on request.
I use high quality ACF canvases and my works on canvas are stable. However like all canvases they should be kept away from damp conditions, excessive heat, and direct sunlight. For limited edition prints, it is worth keeping the certificate of authenticity with the picture. This helps maintain the provenance of the work and supports its long-term value as part of a collection.
Finally, if a work needs cleaning, reframing, or repair, it is always safest to consult a professional conservator or framer rather than attempting to correct it yourself.