There are many reasons people choose to collect works of art - maybe for the pleasure of possessing beautiful and interesting things, or the desire to hold onto a piece of history, or even for the simple joy of collecting.
Others might collect in the hope that values will rise, and other still might just want something attractive to hang on their living-room wall.
In this short course, leading art historian and gallery owner James Hyman will introduce us to collecting photography.
Collecting photographic images is an accessible way to build up an art collection, and photography is an art form that many of us will relate to in a very immediate an instinctive way.
With his many years of experience, both as a collector and a seller of photographic and other forms of art, James will guide us in exploring the various different aspects of collecting photographic images, from judging the quality of photographs to finding out where to buy them.
As well as drawing on the experience of building up his own collection, on the course we will visit many of the key players in the art-photography market in London, gaining access through James's contacts, built up over many years buying and selling photographic prints. We will also visit museums, other private collectors, a specialist photography dealer and an auction house specialising in photography.
The course is suitable for new collectors, and experienced collectors and those interested in collecting more generally, perhaps with a view to entering the gallery or museum profession.
No previous experience is necessary and all are welcome.
Possible Course Combination
This course can be studied on its own, or it can be combined with the classes Study Skills in Art History, which is taught on Wednesdays, which will help you to develop the critical and analytical skills used by professional art historians and curators, or From Art Studio to Art Market, again taught on Wednesdays, looking at the wider art world and the way it operates.