A Question Of Buying Art Online

ANTHONY SMITH looks at the booming online market, while raising an eyebrow at some of the prices

- Anthony Smith

BUYING art online is becoming more and more popular as collectors around the world are now able to purchase works from artists anywhere. Artwork can be seen from Norwich to Ningbo, London to Lhasa. The array of art on offer is vast, so vast that even a dealer, such as myself, simply cannot view even 10% of that offered every day, even though it is my business, my passion and priority to see new art.

The major auction houses are also now moving some of their business online as it is both cost-effective and broadens their potential client base considerably.

Most art galleries and dealers now have online representation. We became 100% online around five years back. Many other galleries have followed suit as the costs of opening a bricks and mortar gallery in many major cities have become unviable.

Art fairs have been an opportunity, but at around £30,000 plus for a three-day event at a mid-to-high profile fair, they too have become uneconomic for all but the high-end galleries.