What motivates someone to collect art? We sat down with a collector to find out.
or our sixth journal entry, we wanted to take you inside the world of collecting — not through our own lens, but through the eyes of someone who lives with the art every day. Meet Jonathan, a London-based creative director and longtime supporter of Collecting Contemporary.
How It Started
"I didn’t start collecting with any real strategy," Jonathan laughs. "The first piece I bought was actually on impulse. It just spoke to me. I didn’t think about investment or curation. It was pure emotion."
That emotional connection is a theme that runs through Jonathan’s approach to art. For him, each piece tells a story, marks a chapter, or captures a feeling.
Living with Art
"I work in a fast-paced, digital-heavy industry, so having physical art around me feels grounding. I rotate the pieces depending on the season or my mood. The framed print of Faultlines lives above my desk right now — it’s bold and structured, which helps me focus."
Why Collect Contemporary
When asked why he gravitates toward contemporary art, Jonathan is clear: "It feels like a reflection of now. There's something exciting about knowing that the artists creating today are reacting to the same world we’re all living in."
He adds, "Also, platforms like Collecting Contemporary make it accessible. I don’t need to go to an art fair or have thousands in disposable income. It’s democratised in the best way."
Advice for New Collectors
"Don’t overthink it," he says. "Start with one piece you love. Frame it properly, hang it somewhere you’ll see it often, and live with it. That’s how the relationship begins."
The Takeaway
Jonathan’s collection may be personal, but his journey is universal: art should be felt, not just understood. Whether you're new to collecting or expanding your walls, let emotion lead.
Want to be featured in the next Inside the Collection? Reach out via info@collectingcontemporary.co.uk and share your space.
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