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Art Advisor: Helen Bonar

Art Advisor: Helen Bonar

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helen Bonar: Art Advisor

Collecting Photography

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Collecting Photography

Collecting photography is a great way of beginning your collection with an outstanding work, without breaking the bank.

With CultureLabel you can collect works from leading contemporary artists and photographers such as Martin Parr and Ori Gersht, or established masters of the medium Helmut Newton and Cecil Beaton as well as a selected group of rising stars.

Explore our range and let your personal taste guide you...

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Editions Explained

Limited editions should mean that the photograph is produced in a small number, which can make them more valuable due to their rarity.

Prices of prints vary according to the size of the edition and the reputation of the photographer. Signed prints command higher prices but you can find beautiful images in open, unsigned editions, at very low prices.

Limited, signed prints are your best bet, but there are some gems to be found in open editions, where the price should reflect the nature of the purchase.

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Photographic Print Types

- C-type prints are more traditional colour prints, originally developed by Kodak in 1942 (The C stands for chromogenic).

- Giclee prints are fine art digitally printed photographs.

- Archival inkjet prints are digitally printed with archive quality paper and ink.

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Helen Bonar

Officer for the Own Art scheme at Arts Council England, which is designed to make buying contemporary works of art and craft more affordable. Helen has previously worked as Arts & Humanities Manager at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children.

Helen was also Senior Curator at the arts charity Paintings in Hospitals and for the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition and exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London. Her work with Painting in Hospitals has seen her manage over 4,000 works of modern british art in a collection developed over 50 years.

Helen's Wishlist Picks

Expectations, New York, Jan 11
By Marta Sanchez Costa

'I’m a real fan of blog /documentary style photography – I find it strangely captivating.’

Migration (size 1)
By Suzanne Moxhay

'Suzanne's work feel’s so moody and apocalyptic. You’re drawn into the scene and the imagery is all engulfing.’

GB, Southwold, 1993
By Martin Parr

'For investment, this Martin Parr is likely to be a good choice. It’s produced through The Photographers' Gallery who are a trusted and reputable institution, with a supportive approach to helping you purchase.'

For They Know Not What They Do (Robin)
By Peter Liversidge

'The pairing of the two photographs and the interplay this creates gives the opportunity to compare and contrast, which is something I like.’

Occupy Me 4
By Lyndsay Martin

‘I’m keen to support emerging artists and pattern and texture fascinate me, so I’m immediately drawn in.’

Memoirs-Emily falling in Library
By Vikram Kushwah

'The aged quality feels very “current” but the way the light filter is used gives it a historical feel. The photographer has very cleverly been able to capture stillness and the drama of movement simultaneously.'

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Helen's Top Tips for Collecting

-Buy works that excite you. I also like to buy works that challenge me as I find their capacity to continue to hold my interest fascinating.

-Don’t buy works of lesser quality just because they might be a well known photographer.

- As a rule of thumb, buy from as small an edition as you can.

- And don’t be afraid to ask for advice, an organisation like The Photographers' Gallery who have a dedicated Print Sales team on hand to help you is a great place to start!

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