Insight: Building a Meaningful Collection
We talk a lot about how collecting is more than acquiring, but what does it mean to build a meaningful collection?
Private collector’s home, U.K. © Andreas von Einsiedel Photography.
Collecting art has always been more than an act of acquisition. Historically, it has been a form of patronage, a way to support artistic practice and celebrate craftsmanship, with collectors playing a crucial role in shaping cultural heritage. For some, the distinction between collecting and accumulating has become increasingly blurred. In a world where material possessions are often amassed without much thought, building a meaningful collection requires intention. Whilst not prescriptive, a meaningful collection is forged by fostering connections; with artists, with history, and with the works themselves.
The misconception that the title of ‘collector’ is reserved for an elite few has long persisted, yet anyone who acquires art, decorative objects, and cultural artefacts with intention is engaging in the act of collecting. There is no predefined threshold, no specific number of works or financial benchmark that qualifies someone as a collector. Equally, professional collection management is often viewed as exclusive, yet its core principle is simple: to provide guidance and support to those who wish to protect and better understand the works they own.
True collecting is deeply personal; the foundation of any collection should be individual resonance. Understanding art history and the broader cultural landscape provides valuable context, but ultimately, the most compelling collections are those shaped by personal vision rather than external pressures and the act of collecting becomes most meaningful when it reflects the collector’s interests, values, and lived experiences.
Caring for a collection is also often an overlooked process, and is frequently investigated after damage or deterioration has occurred, rather than being established as a preventive measure. At CURA Art, we recommend that at least 5-10% of an individual’s total annual acquisition budget is reinvested annually into its care; this can include transportation, insurance, cataloguing and auditing, condition reporting, to name a few. Crucially, the type of care that a collection requires varies greatly, however these needs can often be identified by using CURA Art’s 6 C’s of Collection Management.
Establishing care for the future holds equal importance alongside practices for present day. The idea of legacy in collecting is multifaceted. Some collectors focus on assembling works that fit within a specific narrative, while others use their acquisitions to champion overlooked artists. For example, Christian Levett’s collection, now displayed in his private museum FAMM, of female abstract expressionists has played a role in correcting historical imbalances by helping these artists receive the recognition they deserve. Legacy can correlate to preservation, as acquiring works may not just be for personal enjoyment but to safeguard them for future generations. For some, collecting is a form of advocacy, supporting artists from historically marginalized communities and ensuring that their work is acknowledged and protected. Collectors such as Nish McCree, The Wrights and Valeria Napoleone use the process of collecting as a force for change.
Ultimately, collecting is not just about acquiring objects; it is about engagement, responsibility, and legacy. Art is not static; it carries stories, relationships, and cultural significance. Those who collect with care and intention are not just owners but stewards of history, ensuring that the works they acquire today will continue to be valued and understood in the future.