STEPS FOR INCREASING THE VALUE OF YOUR ART

Not only does good documentation tend to increase the value of art, but the documentation itself often has value and that value can increase. Imagine if you had an original receipt from the sale of a Van Gogh painting that changed hands in the early part of this century. Or perhaps your grandfather bought a Picasso and got an inscribed photo of Picasso handing him the painting. I'm in this end of the business and can tell you that either of these items would be worth well into the thousands of dollars today. So here's what you do:


* Save all receipts and certificates of authenticity.

* Whenever possible, get descriptive written statements from artists or dealers or both when you buy art. If they won't write something for you, have them tell you about the art and either write it down yourself or record it.

* Save all books, exhibit catalogues, gallery brochures, reviews, and the like.

* Whenever possible, photograph the artists who you collect, have them sign or inscribe catalogues or gallery invitations for you.



Excerpt from How to Collect Art Like a Pro - Building a Collection by Alan Bamberger