Buying art: How to choose your first piece

Owning a sculpture or a piece of art is more than just bringing an object into your home or garden – it’s an investment in beauty, creativity, and personal expression. Bronze and bronze resin sculptures are particularly popular because of their timeless appeal, durability, and versatility. Whether displayed in a living room, on a terrace, or in a landscaped garden, the right piece can completely transform a space. 

But how do you choose the right sculpture, and why should you consider buying one in the first place? 

Reasons to buy a sculpture

Before you buy a sculpture or piece of art, think about why you’re considering investing in one. Here are some reasons why you might want to buy a sculpture:

• Beauty and atmosphere: a sculpture instantly enhances the visual appeal of a home or garden.
• Personal connection: a sculpture reflects something about you, the owner, whether that’s your tastes, values, memories or life experiences.
• Interaction with space: unlike paintings, sculptures are physical objects that interact with their surroundings and are transformed by casting shadows as light shifts throughout the days and seasons.
• Self-expression: choosing a sculpture allows you to shape and leave a mark on your environment with the help of an artist’s vision.
• Status and value: sculpture can also be a symbol of achievement and show your appreciation of culture.

Note, while some buyers see sculpture as a financial investment, it is usually best approached as a long-term purchase for personal enjoyment. Market trends can be unpredictable. Unlike stocks or shares, even ‘famous’ sculptures are not always quick to resell.

Get to know your own taste

After deciding to buy a sculpture or piece of art, the next step is to develop your taste. I would suggest you visit galleries, sculpture parks, and artist studios to see works in different settings. The more you see, the more you’ll get to know the styles, themes and materials that resonate with you.

Speaking directly with artists can also offer valuable insights into their creative process. If you like a sculpture, visiting it multiple times can confirm whether it’s the right piece for you. A good tip is to take a trusted family member or friend along with you for their opinion. 

Choosing between bronze and resin

If it’s a sculpture that you’re buying, you’ll need to consider whether you choose bronze or resin. Traditional bronze sculptures are highly durable and resistant to erosion. Resin or ‘cold cast bronze’ offers a more affordable option, particularly for emerging collectors.

Where to buy a sculpture

Sculptures can be purchased in a variety of ways:

• Direct from artists: studio visits let you connect with the creator and gain a deeper understanding of their work.
• Galleries: these offer expert advice, the option to trial pieces at home, and installation services.
• Sculpture parks: a great way to see works outdoors, from multiple perspectives and distances, in a real landscape.
• Auctions: these can provide reassurance about an artist’s career stage, but resale value can still be unpredictable.
• Online: convenient, but difficult to judge scale or impact without seeing the work in person. Ask for further photos and videos to establish scale.

Placement and installation

When buying a sculpture or piece of art, there are usually two approaches: the first being that you find a piece that you fall in love with instantly and then finding a suitable place for it. If this is the case, you might want to try the sculpture in different spots, so you can ‘live with it’ for a while before deciding on a permanent home. Deciding where to finally install your sculpture shouldn’t be a rushed decision – so take your time.

Or, alternatively, you might already have a specific place in mind – whether that’s in your home or garden – and you’ll be looking to buy a sculpture suitable for that location.

And remember to add the sculpture to your house insurance, in case of damage or theft.

Are you looking to buy your first piece of art?

If you’re looking to buy your first sculpture or piece of art, then please have a look at some of my work. I also offer a bespoke service. If you’d like to hear more, then please get in touch.