At GAFF we are all about adding creative wall prints to your home to make it more individual and add some personality to a base decor that, for us, consists of a lot of grey. We’re also all about keeping things budget friendly. But sometimes, a piece of genuine art (as in, something original and not something that’s been reprinted a million times and shared across Pinterest), catches our eye and we think ‘that would be cool to hang here’. But then we feel intimidated because we’re not exactly up on our artists or very involved in the art scene in Ireland and it can be a little bit daunting to nudge your way in. And we carry on with our downloadable prints via Etsy. When it comes to the genuine article, you’re not sure how to buy, what you should be spending, whether something is a good investment or not or whether you should just be buying something that tickles your fancy. Art galleries and auction houses can feel like the reserve of wealthy, mature art enthusiasts (they’re not, they’ll always chat you through any questions around their work if you do dare do enter) and so there remains a divide. Even if we had heaps of money, we’d feel like ducks out of water at a live auction. But then the internet allowed for the invention of the online auction, where you can dip your toe in the pool, get a feel for things without the pressure.
Deveres (a wonderful art auction house specialising in the sale of 19th and 20th century Irish art and design furniture) are holding an online auction on September 10th and it’s the perfect entry point for those curious about art but anxious for all of the reasons listed above. The price points are manageable and the art itself is pretty cool. To get the low down on how it works, we’ve asked Aisling from Deveres a couple of questions.
How do online auctions work?
Our online only auctions work as follows:
Firstly the lots will be available to view at our rooms and the auctioneer will be on hand to answer any questions that prospective buyers may have. The timed online sale is a bit like ebay, there is a link on our site www.deveres.ie to the bidding platform and buyers register for the sale. Terms and conditions of sale are on our website. Bidding is open from now and closes on Monday the 10th September at 6pm.
If you’re entirely new to art, what’s your advice – go with something your eye likes?
This particular sale is made up of a corporate collection that was put together over many years. The artworks were purchased at the RHA annual exhibitions and at NCAD Graduate shows and from Galleries in Dublin and they are all artworks of quality. The estimates have been set with a view to encouraging prospective buyers, so in terms of this sale, yes I think you should buy what you like. It is something to live with and enjoy every day.
Should you then research the artist? Again ask the auctioneer as many questions as you have when you view.
What if someone is looking to invest in art – how should they approach this, come in and speak with you?
Investment shouldn’t really be the first consideration when entering the art market, it is an expense that you should enjoy. Yes obviously budget is important and the artwork will always hold some value, weather this goes up, down or stays the same is unknown, but the one thing you are guaranteed is that the picture will never change and unlike some investments the picture will not disappear in front of your eyes. And yes we do offer investment advice and we are always happy to talk art.
Follow the link here for the online timed auction if it takes your fancy! You can browse the art in advance and see what you like.
