Invest In Art

“Art speaks volumes about your style and personality, so buy pieces you are instantly drawn to. Choosing art should be ‘love at first sight’. If you can’t stop thinking about it, you need to buy it. Art is very powerful and is about evoking emotion as much as looking good on a blank wall. I go shopping with my clients when they think they don’t know what they like, and it’s so interesting to see the genre and the colours they’re drawn to. The biggest misconception is that art should be bought last, to finish a room. It’s one of the first things I choose, and everything else evolves around it.”

Splurge On Statement

“This is another powerful way to add excitement to your interior. For me, a statement piece that sets your home apart from everyone else’s is priceless and will make your home memorable. My top tip would be to keep the other elements simple, so that your statement piece really shines. I bought this hand painted antique carousel horse by the famous funfair artist, George Hebborn in 2017. He’s called ‘Del Boy’ and has become an iconic piece, featured in numerous publications around the world.”

Mix Old and New

“To create striking and memorable interiors, I like to mix old and new pieces. Mixing different eras adds depth and interest to any scheme, almost taking your eyes on an unexpected journey around the room. A memorable room is one that keeps surprising — every time to you enter it, you should notice or discover something new.”

Use Symmetry and Asymmetry

“Symmetry is classic — it works in both modern and traditional interiors, creating balance and harmony to make a space feel calm. A symmetrical layout promotes stability and relaxation, which is often while it’s used in bedrooms, such as matching bedside tables and lamps. That said, too much symmetry can feel predictable and stiff. I often balance it with a touch of asymmetry, such as placing a lamp on one side of a sofa or juxtaposing a wall of vintage plates in a random design.”

Lighting is Key

“Statement lighting is always a great investment. A feature ‘showcase light’ is a great way to add wow factor, whilst drawing the eye up, especially if you have features on the ceiling such as ceiling roses and cornices. It’s also a wonderful way to anchor the room or create zones — just make sure it’s central to any features you want to highlight, such as a fireplace or kitchen island. Then, use a mix of task, ambient and accent lighting to add depth, warmth and functionality. This could be done with ceiling lights, wall lights, table lamps, floor lamps and even candlelight.”

The post Some Effective Ways to Give Your Home an Alluring Appeal appeared first on Best of Living.

Can you tell us more about Tracing Time, your latest exhibit that was recently exhibited?

“It was a deeply personal exhibition for me which evolved from conversations with Jemma around shared themes. Together we presented the contrast between life in the city and the countryside and we both expressed this through our painting. I suppose, the show was really about what thoughts you take away with you. Think a show of nature and cityscapes: a conversation between two completely different landscapes and how two very different artists perceive their chosen subjects.”

Jemma is equally well known for her acting roles in films such as Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. How did you come together as artists?

“It was through a very dear friend of mine, Amanda Harrington — the best in the beauty world, if you don’t know her. She introduced us and we instantly clicked over our shared love of art. The rest, as they say, is history.”

Some of your work has an interesting 3D effect. Can you talk us through your creative process?

“I love the fact that art allows you to create in a way that is completely up to you, so I work with large canvasses, glue, cling film, and paint. Things can get a bit messy, but that is part of the process.”

Your work is inspired by the natural world and the plight of endangered species. Has conservation always been close to your heart?

“It should be close to everyone’s heart. It’s so important today, and especially for our children. The fact that some of our wildlife are poached to the brink of extinction, such as rhinos, elephants, leopards, and whales, should bother everyone. There are many, many species that need our help.”

Yourself and Jemma will both be donating proceeds from your work to TimeGivers, a London-based charity and volunteering platform for children and young adults. Can you tell us about your link with the charity?

“When my friend, Kate Deighton, introduced me to TimeGivers, I thought it was such a forward-thinking charity. Kate is the driving force behind giving amazing children and young adults the opportunity to have wonderful experiences and feel a sense of community. Along with the exhibition, Jemma and I will also be creating a permanent mural on a cafe in Feltham, West London, working alongside TimeGivers volunteers and students, which is thrilling. I will definitely do my bit again in the near future.”

As the daughter of Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood, music and art must be in your blood. How did touring with your father as a child influence the woman you have become?

“I suppose touring nurtured a sociable aspect in me. Getting on with people and being on the road — with what is basically an extended family — was a wonderful and inspiring place to be. I was around creativity, influential people and musicians from the start, and I am very grateful for having that time growing up, surrounded by such talent.”

Your dad is a very collectable artist too. Does he have an impact on the way you paint?

“My father is a wonderful painter, and I think he greatly influenced me on how I create, and enabled me to grow into the artist I am today. Having watched him as a child, then as a teenager and now as a mother of two, I am still mesmerised at seeing him paint.”

We’d imagine the parties were impressive in your house. Which one do you remember most?

“It often surprises people, but the parties we had growing up were actually pretty normal. We would invite our friends over, play musical chairs and pass the parcel; all the usual kids’ games. As a family we love birthdays and always celebrate. These special memories have led me to enjoy my children’s birthdays even more.”

You’ve also collaborated with Skydiamond, designing a ring sold in aid of Neptune’s Pirates. What does jewellery mean to you?

“Fine jewellery has always been important, and I have loved it ever since I was a child. My mother, Jo, was always glamorous and would wear beautiful rings and necklaces. I loved to put them on, play dress up, and think that one day they would be mine. Jewellery has always fascinated me. As for Neptune’s Pirates, this was another charity that really hit home. They are fighting for marine life such as dolphins and whales, which are still being brutally murdered to this day. Neptune’s Pirates go out into the ocean and are stopping anyone from doing anything they shouldn’t. Go and check them out, they’re brilliant.”

What’s next?

“I will hopefully be doing a solo art exhibition and excitingly, there will be even more jewellery. I will be releasing a collaboration with my friend and fine jeweller, India Mahon, which will all be sustainably and ethically-sourced. Watch out for this early next year in 2026. I cannot wait.”

The post Interview: Painter and Environmental Activist Leah Wood appeared first on Best of Living.

Are there any antiques or collectible categories that are in demand among high-net-worth collectors right now?

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but anything with strong provenance and that tells a good is always highly sought after. Increasingly we are seeing traditional oak furniture and folk art being paired with modern British and Irish art which can create a great ‘history’ of British visual culture. We have seen interior designers move away from fitted and uniform furnishings and embrace the eccentricities of pieces which have stood the test of time.”

What is the most extraordinary piece you’ve come across? 

“It would be impossible to choose just one piece from the collections I’ve worked on, but one of the most exciting discoveries from our forthcoming sale of The Collection of Lady Glenconner is a travelling vanity case previously owned by Nancy Lancaster, with all the accessories and jars mounted in 14 carat gold. A vast sum then, it now has a pre-sale estimate of £20,000-£30,000. The glamour of having such a decadent object for travel is something I wish I could replicate myself, and what made it even more exciting was that we only discovered it was gold once we had it back at the office.”

How should someone start building a collection without making any common mistakes?

“Always ask for a condition report and speak with the specialists involved in a sale – both are there to help you make an informed decision about the pieces you’re interested in, and specialists love talking about the objects they have helped bring to sale. People are a great resource and can point you in the direction of pieces that you didn’t even know you wanted.”

Which piece in your own collection would you never part with?

“The first piece I bought was a set of six 19th century coloured cut-glass martini glasses which are used religiously every time there is a special occasion. Aside from the fact they wouldn’t reach much at auction today, I could never part with them because they remind me of the reason why I started in the auction business to begin with: the excitement of a bid and the thrill when the hammer comes down in your favour is something you can never forget.”

Have you ever uncovered a hidden gem?

“The exciting part about working in Private & Iconic Collections is that we often have completely free access to a collector’s home in order to curate a sale worthy of their objects and their name. This means we often find hidden gems hidden in the attics, under beds, or in the garden shed. One of the first sales I worked on was The Personal Collection of Sir Michael Caine, and we were delighted to discover a collection of his film posters in the attic which went on to find new homes globally amongst his fanbase.”

And where’s the best places, in your opinion, to find antiques?

“Auction! Especially online sales which tend to offer a larger and wider variety of pieces.”

The post Interview: Bonhams Collections Antiques Expert Madeleine Cater  appeared first on Best of Living.

Quality over quantity 

“We’ve noticed the multi-million-pound sales that used to dominate the headlines have slowed down recently. The real action now sits in the mid-market – strong works between £100,000 and £1 million. I think collectors are being more selective, but they’re still buying quality.”

Fresh talent

“There’s a real shift toward emerging names with serious momentum; artists backed by solid galleries, with growing online followings and credible exhibition histories. They’re not household names yet, but they’re attracting competitive bidding and healthy resale interest.”

Auctions are global

“Online bidding isn’t a side act anymore; it is the auction room. Around four out of five bidders now take part digitally. That’s opened the door for younger buyers and global participation. The energy of the room feels different, yes, but it’s just as exciting as you’re now competing with people in London, New York, and Hong Kong all at once.”

Less is more

“We always tell clients to buy better, not more. A single standout piece with strong provenance will hold its value far better than a handful of average works. Collectors are far more interested in what’s important, not what’s simply available.”

Private value

“When the open market tightens, private sales tend to flourish. Christie’s reported a rise of over 40% in private transactions last year. Discretion and certainty are key now: people still want to buy, but they want to do it quietly and smartly.”

Spread your investments

“Think of your art collections like building a portfolio. A good mix might include established blue-chip names for stability, a few mid-career or red-chip artists for growth, and perhaps one or two design or edition pieces to keep things interesting. That type of balance keeps you covered in any market.”

Cool collector

“The best buyers are calm ones. Set your ceiling before the sale and stick to it. Don’t get caught up in the adrenaline, let others do that. When it comes to art auctions, a steady hand wins more often than not.”

Rethink tradition

“Global art sales last year totalled around $57 billion, which is down about 12%, but the number of works sold actually rose. That tells us the appetite’s still there for great works; buyers are just being more thoughtful about where they spend. The ultra-high end has softened, but activity online and in private sales remains very strong. This is a great time to widen your collection.”

Disclaimer: This article is for editorial and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Art investments can fluctuate in value, and returns are not guaranteed. Readers should seek independent professional guidance before making any financial decisions. Prices, market data and availability were correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.

The post Now’s the Time to Invest In Art and Reap Those Rewards appeared first on Best of Living.