Interest in art as investment is on the up

[Standard Bank Team]

Do you know your Lowry from your Hockney, or your Sickert from a Paul Henry? While many of us might recognise the most famous artists, we would struggle to know if a painting is a good investment, or just a pretty picture to hang on a wall.

However, there is a growing interest in art as an alternative form of investment, along with other tangible assets such as stamps, coins, wine and vintage cars.

Deon de Klerk, Head of Private Clients (International) at Standard Bank Group, says high-end collectibles are now more likely to be considered as investments. However, like all areas of serious investment, you have to know your market and you need expertise.

Standard Bank Private Clients (www.standardbank.com/privateclients) recently invited a select group of people to hear more about art as an investment. On hand for the evening (held on the isle of Jersey) was chartered arts and antiques surveyor Giles Peppiatt from Bonhams in London.

And the question most asked of Giles by our clients on the evening: is it an investment you make with the head or the heart?

Tough question. What do you think?