Overview

This eight-week programme introduces attendees to the multifaceted world of collecting, blending historical context, market insights, and practical strategies.

Participants will explore what it means to be a collector, addressing the ethical and custodial responsibilities of stewardship, and gain expert guidance on building, maintaining, and reviving collections across four diverse areas of the market: Post-War and Contemporary, Impressionist and Modern, Decorative Arts, and Luxury.

With the reported transfer of $6 trillion in wealth and art assets globally in the next 20-30 years (McAndrew, 2024, p. 16), this course is an essential resource for collectors, heirs, and professionals seeking to navigate the evolving art market while preserving the legacy of their collections.

McAndrew, D. C. (2024). The Art Basel and UBS Survey of Global Collecting 2024. Basel: Art Basel and UBS.

Any Questions?

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Schedule

Session 1: What is a Collector? The History of Collecting (6 May)

Explore the origins of collecting from the Kunstkammer to today, and what it means to call yourself a collector. Gain insights into the historical and cultural motivations behind collecting practices.

Session 2: Crafting Your Collection: Navigating the Art Market (13 May)

Learn how to create a meaningful wish list, identify trends in the international art market, and discover strategies for acquiring pieces that align with your collecting goals.

Session 3: Managing a Collection (20 May)

Understand the essential tenets of collecting, and the responsibilities of a custodian, from preservation and documentation to display and storage. Participants will learn strategies to maintain the integrity of their collection while preparing it for future generations.

Session 4: Collecting Post-War and Contemporary Art (27 May)

Explore the nuances of collecting Post-War and Contemporary works, including market dynamics, key movements, emerging artists and investment considerations.

Session 5: Collecting Modern and Impressionist Art (3 June)

Our specialists will introduce you to Modern and Impressionist masterpieces and how to integrate them into a personal collection. We will also discuss issues surrounding provenance research and due diligence.

Session 6: Collecting the Decorative Arts (10 June)

A focused session on the decorative arts, including furniture, silver, ceramics, and clocks, with tips on how to breathe new life into a collection for the contemporary home/viewer.

Session 7: Collecting Luxury (17 June)

This session will examine the intersection between art and luxury, luxury trends, luxury as a collecting category and luxury as an investment.

Session 8: Ensuring a Legacy for Your Collection (24 June)

 The course concludes with strategies for ensuring your collection’s longevity—whether through arranging access to the collection, philanthropic endeavours, or contributing to public heritage.

*Schedule and topics are subject to change. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this programme, participants will:

• Understand the historical and cultural significance of collecting.
• Recognise the responsibilities of art custodianship and ethical collecting.
• Gain practical insights into navigating the art market and building collections.
• Develop strategies for maintaining collections.
• Expand their knowledge across diverse categories of art and the decorative arts.

Who is this course designed for?

Aspiring Collectors: Those beginning their journey and seeking guidance on how to start building a meaningful collection.

Established Collectors: Experienced collectors looking to refine their practices, explore new markets, or ensure the legacy of their collections.

Heirs and Beneficiaries: Individuals inheriting collections who wish to understand their value, care requirements, and long-term potential.

Collection Managers and Art Professionals: Those working with private or public collections who want to deepen their knowledge of art markets and custodial responsibilities.

Art and Cultural Sector Workers: Curators, dealers, and other professionals seeking broader insights into collecting practices and ethical considerations.

Certificate of Completion

At the end of the eight-week programme, once students have participated in each session, they will be awarded with a certificate of completion issued by Christie's Education. 

Additional Information

 Please note that the full course fee must be paid by the commencement of the course.

About Livestream Courses

All virtual courses are delivered over Zoom with high quality sound & video. There will be an interactive Q & A with the academic as well as time for a group discussion through the lecture.

Recordings will be available to watch with unlimited playback for 14 days. Registrants will receive the viewing link following the class.

London Courses Department

+44 20 7839 9060

Email: shortcoursesuk@christies.com