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In today's uncertain times, the attraction of the stockmarket to generate income is somewhat shaky, and many people are looking elsewhere to safeguard their money in the hope of capital appreciation over the long term.
I've heard of art, wine and even watches as being of particular interest to potential investors. If you are thinking of beginning a collection of any of the above, then France is certainly a great destination!
Enhancing one's surroundings with objects of beauty is almost an innate human desire. The maxim that beauty is in the eye of the beholder is certainly applicable to works of art. Many modern pieces are not aesthetically pleasing and, in some cases, seem designed to inspire feelings of shock, disgust, puzzlement or just plain indifference. The very nature and purpose of art is therefore elusive and often contentious.
For many people, the value of an art work may be completely subjective, depending on whether they like it and how much they want it. However, it is also possible to appraise a painting objectively, on its technical merits. This requires knowledge and expertise, and also some understanding of the various schools of art over the years.
When it comes to selecting art as a possible investment piece, it is often helpful to seek advice from a knowledgeable, experienced and objective source. Roy MacGregor, together with his wife Gail, have been avid art lovers and collectors for many years, and their new venture, Gullane Art Gallery, has proven to be very successful, with a recent exhibition of Jack Morocco's work creating a real buzz.
Roy advises that buying art as an investment can start with fairly modest sums of less than £2000. As with any investment opportunity, buying art can be a speculative gamble. It would be mistaken to assume that every piece of art will appreciate in value, and a measured and cautious approach is perhaps best to achieve capital appreciation. It is often the case that certain periods of an artist's career are valued more highly than others, and reputable gallery owners are also able to discuss this in depth with interested clients.
Here in Val d'Isere, Galerie Jane Griffiths has established itself as a major contender in the arts scene of southern France and has put on many stunning exhibitions over the 6 years since its opening. It's definitely worth a visit whilst you're staying in one of our
luxury ski chalets, if you can drag yourself away from the slopes, that is.
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