Collectors’ Dilemma: Selling the Stories We Once Bought

Turkoman.khan · Yesterday, 05:56 PM

Dear friends,

We are all aware of the power of storytelling in promoting artworks—how it sparks the passion and imagination of collectors and serves as such a powerful tool. Yet, in my personal view, it can often be misleading and sometimes disappointing when you switch sides: from being a buyer inspired by such stories to becoming a seller—when the time inevitably comes to say goodbye to our beloved weapons.

When that moment arrives, you often find yourself repeating what you once heard or believed, and it can sound weak and far less convincing than the polished presentations some of our dealer friends can deliver. Most of the arguments end up relying on showing something “related” in a stack of published albums, hoping it will be persuasive enough—at least to recover the money spent.

Of course, I am speaking about certain pieces acquired on the art market, not those obtained through fortunate encounters or travels. It was fascinating for me to learn that this phenomenon is not unique to our generation but was also common in the 19th century, for example. I recently heard that a couple of swords from the Wallace Collection were studied using extensive modern research: data exchange with international institutions and access to worldwide digital archives—including the so-called Tipu sword and the so-called sword of Ranjit Singh. Yet even with such impressive resources, the exact methods behind their conclusions remain a mystery to me.

I love an article that clearly and precisely explains the research process and arguments, and I think it is brilliant. I believe this kind of rigorous approach should become standard in studying our collections. Of course, it will inevitably devalue some inappropriate stories, but it will also elevate other objects, revealing their true value and historical importance.

Good news, gentlemen!

https://objet.art/as/articles/68cab0d7c10119a7a51483ee

Tim Simmons · Yesterday, 06:27 PM

Personely bull shit either means too expensive or it is rubbish. I will only buy on a plain discription and sell the same way.

Yesterday, 05:56 PM	#1
Turkoman.khan Member Join Date: Apr 2023 Posts: 121	Collectors’ Dilemma: Selling the Stories We Once Bought Dear friends, We are all aware of the power of storytelling in promoting artworks—how it sparks the passion and imagination of collectors and serves as such a powerful tool. Yet, in my personal view, it can often be misleading and sometimes disappointing when you switch sides: from being a buyer inspired by such stories to becoming a seller—when the time inevitably comes to say goodbye to our beloved weapons. When that moment arrives, you often find yourself repeating what you once heard or believed, and it can sound weak and far less convincing than the polished presentations some of our dealer friends can deliver. Most of the arguments end up relying on showing something “related” in a stack of published albums, hoping it will be persuasive enough—at least to recover the money spent. Of course, I am speaking about certain pieces acquired on the art market, not those obtained through fortunate encounters or travels. It was fascinating for me to learn that this phenomenon is not unique to our generation but was also common in the 19th century, for example. I recently heard that a couple of swords from the Wallace Collection were studied using extensive modern research: data exchange with international institutions and access to worldwide digital archives—including the so-called Tipu sword and the so-called sword of Ranjit Singh. Yet even with such impressive resources, the exact methods behind their conclusions remain a mystery to me. I love an article that clearly and precisely explains the research process and arguments, and I think it is brilliant. I believe this kind of rigorous approach should become standard in studying our collections. Of course, it will inevitably devalue some inappropriate stories, but it will also elevate other objects, revealing their true value and historical importance. Good news, gentlemen! https://objet.art/as/articles/68cab0d7c10119a7a51483ee Attached Images

Yesterday, 06:27 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,894	Personely bull shit either means too expensive or it is rubbish. I will only buy on a plain discription and sell the same way.