Why do you buy collectibles?

There are a lot of reasons.

Some of them deeply personal.

This is a hobby of stories, narratives, and connections.

But whatever your reason for buying collectibles.

Almost all can be enjoyed as visual display items.

And, if you’re looking for a reason to shop for collectibles.

Imagine the distinction a unique item like the examples you’ll see here will add to your home.

Visual collectibles: what to buy

Let’s put aside all other considerations and look at collectibles purely as visual items.

Pieces of decoration.

I would shop for:

1 - Art

With apologies for being very obvious.

Original artworks or limited edition prints can be both highly collectible and the perfect piece for that space over the piano.

Now isn’t the time and place for a guide to art collection and appreciation.

And my advice to would-be collectors is always consistent - follow your passions and buy what you love.

Art in the home can serve many functions.

But art directly from the artist, signed, offers a close connection to their work.

It has soul.

These pieces by Gerhard Richter invite distant contemplation.

These Richter prints are unique works in their own right. 

There’s a charm and simplicity that everyone gets in EH Shepard's work and everyone will want to see the way the pencil moved to make that happen.

Everyone will want to get a closer look at this image of a familiar character. 

And, you’ll want to get in close and really read this Salvador Dali sketch - done off the cuff, I’d argue it says as much about him as a man as his fully realized masterworks.

There's a brilliant story to go with this drawing that you'll never tire of telling.

2 - Signed photographs

Photography can easily reach the heights of art.

It doesn’t always though.

Babe Ruth has one of the most valuable autographs in sports history. Add a great image and your signature gets a completely new dimension . 

And sometimes the depth and meaning of a photograph is found in its subject.

Which is when a signature adds that personal connection that elevates a photograph to something really special.

Most modern stars and heroes can be adored in this way.

The price you pay for a signed photo will depend on who the subject is, the quality of the image, the quality and placing of the signature and its rarity.

Shopping for the right combination is a really enriching part of the collecting experience for me.

3 - Posters

Made for display and hugely diverse, a poster collection could be the focus of a lifetime’s passion.

And nothing will do more to enliven your home.

There’s a vibrant and growing market in movie poster collection.

And as the entertainment world slips steadily into an online only medium I think the appetite will grow and grow.

Tour posters can be a wonderfully nostalgic window on the past.

You can picture yourself heading to the Locarno to catch some of the greatest live bands ever to perform.

These 60s tour posters don’t need flashy images, the text and layout carries a world of memories.

And, if you can’t get a poster, perhaps a ticket will do.

4 - Documents

Does that sound a bit dry?

Documents don’t appeal to everyone perhaps.

But I find them visually appealing. And I know I’m not alone.

If anyone thinks little or no thought goes into designing documents, even letters, to look good then I’ll simply say they're wrong.

Especially if they’re prepared for official release.

A fascinating window on history that looks wonderful.

The flowing penmanship and emphatic visual calligraphy of the Tudor era.

Even a well-typed official letter.

They look good, and invite closer inspection.

5 - Memorabilia

Bear with me here.

But anything can look good if properly presented.

And if you love it.

A quick tour through our collection gives us:

Come closer to see the name that makes this flag a unique piece no-one else can own.

This obviously visually appealing flag.

But, even a strand of hair. With the right frame and photograph, something you need a magnifier to see clearly becomes an invitation to come in and have a look.

Newspaper clippings. A high school yearbook.

They all work.

Showing collectibles safely

While I think all collectibles can look good on display.

Not all should be on display.

Your first thought when you do anything with a collectible should be its effect on the condition of that collectible.

Despite their size many stamps are extremely visually appealing.

Very few will ever be put on display by their owners because they are so fragile.

Albums, acid-free card and plastic and the order of the day for them.

And, keeping their treasures out of the damaging rays of sunlight.

Paper can be fragile, you need to protect items like this stunning Einstein portrait.

And, it’s something you need to consider when displaying rare, valuable and old documents.

Take your lead from those who protect documents for living: museums and archives.

You’ll often find “archival quality” used as a description on acid-free cards and papers.

Use glasses with UV filters. And lighting too.

Buying collectibles for visual appeal

We sell all sorts of collectibles.

Virtually everything will sell will make an excellent display piece.

But we’ve picked out some of the best for you here.

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