Art of the Deal
Art & Antique Dealers of New Zealand has been in operation for nearly two decades. Get some collecting tips, and more, from owner Paul Jones.
“We continue to collect a huge number of pieces yet to be catalogued allowing us to maintain a flow of interesting items,” he says. “All our staff are very passionate and find great pleasure in items of character and suitable quality that collectors would also enjoy.”
How do you build trust with buyers in what can be a risky market?
I guess the first thing is we are available to talk on the phone at any stage – it's nice to know there are real people here behind an online shop. When purchasing online, everyone should use credit cards which often provides insurance against fraudulent transactions – we offer credit card purchase. We are collectors ourselves and understand how disappointing it can be where an item arrives damaged, so we pack well and do as much as we can to ensure safe transport, including signature required courier.
For buyers new to antiques, what categories tend to offer the best entry point?
The best entry point would be to find something you would like to live around, maybe some colourful glassware, maybe some vintage lamps or lighting, maybe furniture with character, or vintage New Zealand dinnerware. I started collecting English art pottery and found that appreciation comes from handing the items – allowing one to gain a ‘feel’ for how wonderful they are. Start with something affordable and enjoy the journey of collecting.
How important is New Zealand art specifically to your offering?
All art is investment art, whether it be for pleasure or financial gain. We are aware of what art is ‘good’ and commonly offer our items somewhere between auction and retail pricing so our customers receive fair prices which limit risk of bad investment. It's always best to buy artwork you love, New Zealand art will always have a place in Kiwi's hearts, so naturally one of the best art investments if resale is of concern.
With so many items sold online, how do you accurately represent condition, provenance, and authenticity?
We most often know what’s authentic just by handling the object. I guess the main thing, getting back to your first question about building trust, is where there are issues then we are always happy to talk. Provenance is typically handed down from previous owners. Authenticity comes from provenance, however our experience also helps a great deal to understand what's correct and what's not.
What trends are you seeing in what people are buying right now?
There are hints towards moving back to antique items matching in with current trends of ‘curated clutter’, shifting back to Victorian times when people displayed their treasures and had cabinets full of decorative items. New Zealand - based pieces, such as Māori-themed works through to Crown Lynn (always a safe investment) have been steadily increasing in favour over the last 10 years. Decorative items such as Hanmer Pottery, Titian Studios, and New Zealand hand-potted pottery and ceramics are becoming stronger each year.
For someone looking to start collecting, what’s the smartest first purchase they can make?
Crown Lynn, Titian and hand potted NZ pottery and ceramics would be where I would start. If we’re talking about smiles, then find something that reminds you of good times in your past. Avoid investing too much money when you do not know the market, start small and work your way up. What you like in the future will be quite different than when you start as your tastes mature.
Sellers of authentic investment art, antiques, vintage & retro items throughout New Zealand.