10 Mistakes NOT to make with Vintage Art

Here's a useful run down of the mistakes to avoid when buying vintage art.

1. Don’t hesitate; if you fall for something buy it. In its very nature vintage art is no longer being produced as the artist is no longer alive and so no more similar works are being produced. When you miss a contemporary painting you might just be able to find another similar piece. But that’s much less likely with vintage pictures. (Some vintage dealers allow you to return paintings, especially if you bought them online, which gives you some protection from your impetuosity! I think this a very important part of the service, but not all do.)

'Marigolds and Cornflowers', signed B. Bouche, please click on the painting for more information.

2. Thinking you could pick it up at a market yourself. You might be able to, but remember just how much time dealers spend trawling through markets and auctions to find a good piece. You would never guess the number of horrendously early mornings we face to get to the markets in time to find the treasures. You have to kiss a lot of frogs in this business before you buy the prince!

'Teacup with Lemon' signed Bertrand Py, 1895-1973, please click on the image for more information.

3. Being frightened to ask for part payment. There’s nothing better than selling a painting to someone who loves it and who has really fallen for it, and generally if someone asks for part payment it’s because the price is out of their range but they are smitten. (If you are enthusiastic and polite you may get a discount as well.)

'Foxgloves' signed Hugo Simson, 1910-1970, please click on the painting for more information.

4. Don’t assume the dealer has bought it for nothing and you are being ripped off! The dealer will be making something on it but that’s what you are paying for; their skill, eye, knowledge and time.

'Pink and Red French Roses' signed Henri Duran, please click on the painting for more information.

5. Don’t be put off by an overly fussy frame or one which is in bad condition. Vintage paintings often come in really attractive frames and often they don’t, but they can look just as good reframed in a contemporary frame, although do remember there’s a cost to that. Framing is not cheap! An alternative is to hang canvases unframed which has a charm all of its own.

'Lakeside' signed Lennart Blomqvist, 1877-1954, dated '15. Please click on the image for more information.

6. Don’t be too fussy about “provenance.” Fine Art definitely requires a professional provenance but it also bears a much higher price. Vintage art often has very basic provenance but the price will be more affordable.

'Meadow Flowers in White Jug with Blue Stripes' signed Albert Larsen, 1885-1957, dated '42. Please click on the image for more information.

7. Don’t be scared of asking questions. Again, one of the big differences between Fine Art dealers and vintage dealers is that in the main we are approachable and friendly! Buying a painting is a commitment and you should be able to ask as many questions as you like. There’s only one question which makes my blood boil and that’s “Will I make money out of this”. The answer, unless you are very lucky is NO. But what you love; there is no better reason to buy.

'Cyclamen and Jug', unknown artist, please click the on painting for more information.

8. Don’t follow trends. If Swedish Mid Century doesn’t set your heart racing look for something that does. Maybe your thing is an abstract or a French floral? The one thing that is guaranteed is that there really is something for everyone, but do stay true to yourself.

'Hellebores', unknown artist, dated '70. Please click on the image for more information.

9. Don’t ignore condition. A painting does not have to be perfect and a frame can still be completely beautiful even if imperfect, but know what you feel about this. If you are going to be irritated by craqueleure or a little bit of missing paint and like everything to be perfect don’t buy what another person would consider to be charmingly distressed; with vintage art beauty really is very much in the eye of the beholder but the dealer should make you aware of the condition if there’s anything major.'Blue Abstract', unknown artist, please click on the image for more information.

10. This is a bit of a cheat but I repeat...if you love it the buy it; you may not get second chance!

'The Workers', signed Anders A Jönsson, 1907-2002. Please click on the painting for more information.

So if you are looking to buy an affordable and decorative vintage painting follow this link to our website and please don't hesitate if you have any questions.

Julia Collins

founder of Collins and Green Art