Posts by Gerard Gormley

An art collection acts as a celebration of creativity and an expression of personal taste. Caring for your art collection is essential to ensure the beauty and value of your pieces endure.

At Gormleys Gallery, we are often asked how to care for your art collection? The truth is, proper care for your art collection doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, and with the right knowledge and a few thoughtful practices, you can protect your artworks from risks like environmental damage, wear, and accidents. We’ve put together this guide to offer practical tips to help you display, clean, and store your pieces safely, preserving their integrity and allowing you to enjoy them for years to come.

Why is Art Preservation Important?

Art can be delicate by nature, whether crafted on canvas or paper, created with oil paints or polished metals, art pieces are vulnerable to changes in their environment. Without proper care, the materials that make your artwork special can begin to deteriorate over time. Light, humidity, and temperature fluctuations can all contribute to fading colours, warping wood, or even cracking paint.

The importance of art preservation goes further than simply maintaining the physical appearance of your art piece, but actually helps protect the emotional and cultural significance of your collection. For collectors who view art as an investment, careful upkeep is equally essential to retaining and potentially increasing the artwork's financial value.

Best Ways to Display Your Art Collection

Jenny Belton, Still Life with Vase and Leaf

The way you display your art plays a significant role in its longevity. While an artwork’s placement is often dictated by aesthetic considerations, it’s equally important to think about its environment and follow some best practices for displaying your collection safely.

Avoid Direct Sunlight where possible 

While natural light is beautiful, it can be harmful to art. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause fading and discoloration in artwork, particularly works on paper. For this reason, we recommend positioning your pieces away from windows where possible. Delicate works can be framed with anti uv conservation glass which will help protect them. If you have any concerns, please ask our advice or that of a picture framer.  

Control Humidity and Temperature

Extreme fluctuations in temperature or humidity can severely damage your art collection. Ideally, it is recommended to maintain a stable environment between 16-22°C with a relative humidity of 40-50%, avoiding placements near radiators, fireplaces, or air conditioning units. This will help prevent issues such as paint cracking or wood warping. 

Secure Placement

Accidental damage is one of the most common risks to art collections. For wall-mounted pieces, we recommend using secure hanging fixings that can support the artwork’s weight, while sculptures and three-dimensional works should be displayed on sturdy, level surfaces, away from areas prone to bumps or vibrations. Try to avoid the following picture hooks unless the artwork is quite light as they are prone to failure. See attached images.

When hanging artwork on a solid wall we recommend using a wall plug and screw and for stud walls we recommend metal self-drilling fixings.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Your Art Collection

Artworks require delicate handling and careful maintenance to preserve their original beauty. While cleaning may seem straightforward, improper methods can cause irreversible damage to art collections. 

Paintings

Paintings should be dusted lightly with a soft, natural-bristle brush, ensuring no pressure is applied to the surface. Avoid using any cleaning solutions or water, as they can react with the paint or varnish. If your painting is showing signs of dirt accumulation or discoloration, it’s best to consult a professional conservator rather than attempting a deep clean yourself.

Sculptures

Sculptural works vary widely in material and require tailored care. For bronze or metal sculptures, a dry microfiber cloth can be used to remove dust. Avoid abrasive materials that might scratch the surface. For delicate materials such as marble or ceramics, professional advice is recommended before undertaking any cleaning.

Works on Paper

Artworks on paper, including drawings, prints, or pastels, are particularly fragile. Use a soft brush to remove dust, but do not touch the surface with your hands, as oils from your skin can cause staining or smudging. Always keep paper works framed behind UV-protective glass to shield them from environmental exposure.

Storing Your Art Collection 

Stephen Forbes, Nomads, 2024

When artworks are not on display, proper storage is crucial to prevent damage from environmental factors, pests, or accidental mishandling. Here are some best practices for storing your collection:

Climate Control

Your storage space should maintain a stable temperature and humidity levels. Because of this, it is recommended to avoid attics, basements, or garages, as these areas are prone to extreme fluctuations and dampness, which can lead to warping, mould, or cracking in your art collection.

Protective Materials

Ensure you use acid-free materials to protect your artworks. For example, for paintings, you could cover the front with acid-free tissue paper but avoid wrapping too tightly, as it can trap moisture. Works on paper should be stored flat in archival boxes or between acid-free mats.

Positioning

Paintings should be stored upright and never stacked directly on top of one another. If stacking is unavoidable, it is recommended to use padding such as foam board or felt between each piece to prevent scratching or pressure damage..

Sculptures and Fragile Pieces

Sculptures should be placed on stable, padded surfaces and securely covered to prevent dust accumulation. For particularly fragile or intricate works, we recommend to consider custom storage crates or enclosures.

Working with a Professional Conservator

Certain situations call for the expertise of a professional conservator to ensure your artwork's integrity and longevity. For example, if a painting begins to show signs of flaking, cracking, or discoloration, or if a sculpture has visible chips or scratches, professional restoration can stabilise the piece and restore its original beauty without compromising its authenticity. On top of this, some artworks, especially older or mixed-media pieces, can accumulate grime or discoloration over a prolonged period of time and attempting to clean these yourself often risks causing more harm than good. With specialised knowledge and tools, a conservator can safely clean and rejuvenate your piece while maintaining its delicate balance of materials. 

Overall, periodic condition assessments by professionals are particularly important for older or high-value art pieces, as they can identify hidden issues such as structural weaknesses or mould before they become severe. 

To find a reputable conservator, look for professionals with experience in the specific medium of your artwork. Gormleys’ team can assist with recommendations and connect you with trusted experts to ensure your collection receives the best possible care.

Visit our website to explore our collection, current exhibitions and our range of services, including art sourcing and consultation.

The art world is constantly evolving, shaped by cultural movements and global developments. As we prepare for 2025, we at Gormelys Gallery are uncovering the changes in how art is created, experienced, and appreciated. From technological advancements to a renewed focus on sustainability and inclusivity, the trends shaping the art market in 2025 are set to offer exciting new opportunities for seasoned collectors and newcomers alike.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key art market trends for 2025. With our expertise in contemporary and modern art, we are excited to guide you through these developments.

Eco-Friendly Creativity

As environmental awareness continues to grow, sustainability has emerged as a defining trend in the art world. In 2025, more artists are prioritising eco-conscious materials and practices, creating works that resonate with the urgent need to address climate change. From recycled materials to biodegradable paints, these innovative approaches are challenging traditional methods of art-making while producing compelling and thought-provoking pieces.

Sustainability in art isn’t just about the materials, it’s a mindset. Artists, like Banksy, have used their work to make powerful environmental statements and we expect artists will continue to use their work as a medium for environmental activism in 2025. 

For collectors, these works offer a chance to support meaningful causes while acquiring art with a strong narrative. Supporting eco-friendly art is not only an investment in the environment but also a way to engage with the cutting edge of contemporary creativity.

Trending Art Styles for 2025

Ian Cumberland, Gaze

2025 is ushering in a bold and diverse mix of artistic styles, reflecting the dynamism of the current cultural moment. From the vibrant and unapologetically bold to the clean and minimalist, this year’s art scene has something for every collector.

Maximalism and Joyful Expression

Maximalism is making a strong comeback, offering a sharp contrast to years of minimalist dominance. This style is focused on vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and layered textures that evoke joy and optimism, and can be seen in work by artists like Grayson Perry and Peter Monaghan. Maximalism is known for inviting collectors to embrace statement pieces that bring energy and life to their environments, making it an ideal choice for those who love bold, expressive art. 

Retro-Futurism

Combining nostalgic elements with futuristic aesthetics, retro-futurism is captivating artists and collectors alike in 2025. This style bridges the past and the future, offering a sense of continuity and innovation. Gordon Harris is an excellent example of this style within the Irish art scene, as his works combine sleek, modern aesthetics with a timeless quality, creating pieces that feel both rooted in the past and forward-looking. Collectors drawn to innovative yet grounded works would find Harris’s art an inspiring addition to their collections.

Top Themes in Art in 2025

Stephanie Noble, Bystander 

Art in 2025 continues to embrace themes that connect deeply with viewers, offering a sense of grounding and emotional resonance. Among the most prominent are nature-inspired motifs, organic patterns, and works that explore the human condition in profound and relatable ways.

Nature is expected to remain a central theme in art in 2025, with many artists, like Harry Brioche and Beatriz Elorza, drawing inspiration from the natural world to create works that highlight its beauty and fragility. These pieces often incorporate earthy tones, flowing forms, and references to landscapes, flora, and fauna. 

Beyond aesthetics, there is a growing emphasis on art that fosters emotion in the art world in this coming year. Pieces that explore themes of resilience, joy, connection, and introspection are resonating with art lovers in 2025. Artists like Tracey Emin and Banksy, invite viewers to engage with their own experiences, creating a dialogue that extends beyond their canvas. 

Virtual and Augmented Reality in Art in 2025

Technology continues to redefine the art world, and in 2025, virtual and augmented reality will be seen more and more in the art world, changing how we experience, create, and collect art. 

Virtual reality (VR) is offering an entirely new dimension for art, allowing viewers to step into digital landscapes and interact with works in ways that were previously unimaginable. VR galleries and exhibitions are providing unprecedented access to collections, enabling collectors and enthusiasts to explore art from anywhere in the world, breaking geographical barriers and expanding opportunities for artists and collectors.

Augmented reality (AR) is another game-changer in the art world in 2025, blending physical and digital spaces. Collectors could use AR tools to visualise how a piece might look in their home or office, making the process of acquiring art more interactive and accessible. AR-enhanced artworks can also offer layers of meaning and engagement, allowing audiences to uncover hidden elements through their devices.

Love it or hate it, as these technologies become more widespread in 2025, they will continue to transform how the world experiences art and challenge our understanding of what art can be. 

Art Investments in 2025

The art market in 2025 is highlighting a shift in collector preferences, driven by evolving tastes, social values, and an increasing focus on art as a financial asset. For more and more people, art collecting is becoming more than a passion, it’s also a strategic investment. As the art market continues to grow in 2025, it is becoming more diverse and accessible than ever, collectors are increasingly considering factors like provenance, market trends, and long-term value. By staying tuned into these shifts, collectors can build portfolios that not only reflect their tastes but also serve as meaningful investments in the evolving world of art.

Galleries like Gormleys are playing a vital role in this shift, offering expertise and guidance to help clients navigate this ever-changing landscape. With access to exclusive works and insights into market behaviour, collectors can make informed decisions that balance emotional satisfaction with financial potential.

Thank you for reading our blog ‘Art Market Trends 2025’.

Visit our website to explore our collection, current exhibitions and our range of services, including art sourcing and consultation. 

Starting an art collection is a deeply personal and fulfilling journey, offering not only aesthetic pleasure but also a chance to connect with history, culture, and individual expression. Contrary to what some may think, art collecting is accessible to everyone—from newcomers who are taking their first steps to seasoned enthusiasts looking to expand their portfolios. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps in starting your collection, from understanding your motivation to making your first purchase. 

Understanding Your Motivation

Before embarking on your collecting journey, it’s important to reflect on why you want to collect art. Your motivation will shape your approach, guiding your choices along the way. Here are some common reasons collectors are drawn to art:

• Personal enjoyment and appreciation: Many collectors simply love living with art. The joy of owning a piece that speaks to you, something that enhances your living space and personal experience, can be profoundly rewarding.

• Investment potential: Some view art as a long-term investment, hoping to acquire pieces that may appreciate in value. While the art market can be unpredictable, purchasing well-chosen works can offer financial returns over time.

• Cultural enrichment: Art connects us to history, society, and culture. Collecting allows you to participate in this dialogue, preserving pieces that reflect important moments in time.

• Supporting artists and the art community: By collecting, you’re directly supporting the artists you admire, helping them continue their creative endeavours. It’s also a way to sustain the wider art ecosystem, from galleries to art fairs.

Ian Cumberland, Still 12

Setting a Budget

Once you've considered your motivation, setting a budget is the next crucial step. Your budget doesn’t need to be vast to start a meaningful collection, but it should be realistic and considerate of your financial situation.

• Assess your financial capacity: Determine how much you can comfortably spend without overextending yourself. Collecting art is a long-term commitment, and there will always be opportunities to expand your collection as your budget grows.

• Be realistic: While your budget may not yet allow for acquiring major works by renowned artists, it’s important to remember that great art is available at all price points. Many collectors start small, gradually investing in their collection as their knowledge and passion grow.

Defining Your Aesthetic and Focus

The world of art is vast, offering countless styles, mediums, and movements. Defining your aesthetic preferences early on will help narrow your focus and make the search for art more enjoyable.

• Explore different styles: Are you drawn to the bold colours of contemporary art, or do you prefer the subtle elegance of abstract art? Maybe you’re fascinated by the realism of figurative art, or the emotion in expressionist works. By exploring various art styles, you can begin to pinpoint what resonates with you when building your art collection.

• Consider themes: Many art collectors are attracted to specific subjects, whether it’s nature, urban life, or social issues, and will build their art collection around these. Think about what matters most to you and how that might be reflected in the artwork you choose.

• Do your research: Spend time visiting galleries, exhibitions, and art fairs, and don’t be afraid to dive into the art world online. Social media, art blogs, and websites, such as Gormleys Gallery, are excellent resources for discovering new works and emerging trends.

• Keep notes: To help visualise your preferences, consider creating a mood board or keeping a digital collection of artworks that inspire you. This process will help you clarify your tastes as you begin your collection.

Ian Cumberland, Gaze , 2021

Researching and Discovering Art

With your aesthetic defined, it’s time to discover the artworks that will form the heart of your collection. There are many ways to explore the art world, both online and in person:

• Local galleries and exhibitions: Visiting galleries like Gormleys offers the chance to see pieces up close, interact with curators, and get expert guidance. Exhibitions provide a great introduction to a variety of artists and styles, giving you the opportunity to see how different works speak to you.

• Art fairs: Events offer a great opportunity to see a wide range of works in one place, with pieces from established artists alongside emerging talent. Art fairs are an ideal setting to explore, compare, and purchase.

• Online platforms and marketplaces: With the rise of digital art spaces, collectors now have access to a global market. Online platforms offer a convenient way to discover and purchase art, although it’s important to verify authenticity and provenance.

Building Relationships with Galleries and Artists

One of the great aspects of collecting art is developing relationships with galleries and artists. These connections can transform your art collecting experience, providing access to insider knowledge, tailored advice, and a deeper understanding of the art world.

• Insider knowledge: Establishing a rapport with galleries can open doors to new opportunities, whether it's hearing about upcoming exhibitions, learning about emerging artists, or gaining early access to significant pieces.

• Personalised advice: When galleries, like Gormleys, get to know your tastes, they can provide personalised recommendations and help you build a cohesive collection over time. Gormleys prides itself on its welcoming and approachable atmosphere, encouraging collectors to engage with art in a way that feels personal and rewarding.

Making Your First Purchase

Your first purchase is a special milestone in your collecting journey. Here are some tips to guide you:

• Trust your instincts: When you come across a piece that resonates with you, trust that feeling. The emotional connection to a work of art is often the most important factor in deciding whether to acquire it.

• Check provenance and authenticity: Ensure the piece is genuine by confirming its provenance (ownership history) and authenticity, especially when investing in higher-value works.

• Start small: There’s no need to begin with a major acquisition. Many collectors start with affordable works, gradually expanding their collection as their confidence and expertise grow.

Caring for Your Art Collection

Once you’ve made your first purchase, it’s essential to care for your art properly to preserve its beauty and value. Here are a few tips:

• Avoid direct sunlight where possible and humidity: These can damage works over time, particularly works on paper. Choose display locations that provide the right conditions.

• Use appropriate framing: High-quality framing not only enhances the artwork but also protects it from environmental factors.

By taking proper care of your pieces, you’ll ensure they remain in excellent condition for years to come.

Overall, starting an art collection is a truly rewarding experience, allowing you to engage with creativity, culture, and history in a deeply personal way. 

If you’re ready to begin, Gormleys Gallery is here to guide you. We encourage you to reach out to our team for personalised advice and support as you explore the world of art collecting.