At Narcissus Arts, we appreciate that different spaces have different needs, and that finding artworks that compliment and enhance their physical surroundings as well as company branding is paramount.

Drawing from our years of experience working alongside some of the best commercial ventures on an international level, we are sure to find the solution to all your creative needs. 

Over the years, our knowledge and expertise of the lower end of the market has proved attractive to companies, particularly when moving into new offices and looking to put art on their walls.

With our philosophy that ‘no budget is too small’ we have been able to demonstrate that a modest outlay is no barrier to building an outstanding art collection for our corporate clients.

We understand that the art world can appear intimidating and confusing; so our job is to bring some clarity to the table by sifting through the noise and finding the work that is perfect for you.

Whether you are interested in starting your collection, looking for a new addition for your existing collection, or would simply like an expert opinion on how to to buy, good, affordable art, we can help.

If you are thinking of starting a collection, or simply need help maintaining the one you already have, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

+44 7789 691 624
nick@narcissusarts.com

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Design by TM
April 2020
Artsy

April 2020

Artsy
Questions about collecting responsibly during a crisis,answered by an art adviser

For the second edition of this advice column, art adviser Nicholas Campbell (founder of Narcissus Arts and Campbell Art Advisory) gives us insights on how to collect art responsibly during the current crisis.

We know all too well that we are living in extraordinary times. COVID-19 is devastating families, corroding financial markets, and keepings many of us confined to our homes. Our beloved art world is one of many sectors being hit in untold ways, and it’s anyone’s guess what the art market will look like once this is all over.

Museums are shuttered, galleries are going under, creative hotspots are no more, and for the first time in modern history, we have no other place to view physical art objects up closed but in our homes. As an adviser for 10 years who set up his business in the midst of the last financial crisis, I know that the lower end of the market is now where the action is, but we need to take many factors into account. This is an excellent time to help support a wounded industry while adding to the world of art surrounding you.

How can I best support artists and galleries right now?

For some, this unplanned, extended period at home might have made you aware of some blank walls, or given you the inspiration you needed to start buying art. But where to go, even on a tight budget? Firstly, this crisis has given birth to some excellent initiatives that support independent artists. On Instagram, Paper Patrons allows you to buy original works on paper for £50 ($62). Alternatively, the Artist Support Pledge, set up by British artist Matthew Burrows, allows patrons to purchase artworks for no more than £200 ($249). Every time an artist makes £1,000 ($1,246) in sales, they pledge to buy an artwork for £200 from another artist, forming a self-sustaining lifeline between independent artists. And we have witnessed a huge number of artists creating works purely to raise funds for charities, such as Harland Miller’s print release from White Cube – which sold out in under 24 hours, raising £1.25 million ($1.5 million) for organisations in the U.K., New York and Hong Kong; and An-my Lê’s and Nan Goldin’s limited edition photos from Marian Goodman Gallery (benefiting NYC Health + Hospitals and Urban Survivors Union, respectively).

Many of you might well be seasoned collectors who know which artists and works you like, so what can you do to help? Pick up the phone, call the galleries and artists you know well, and ask how to might support them. Perhaps there are some older works in their inventories you could make an offer on? Or maybe you could put a downpayment on a piece or two scheduled for a future show? The art world relies on good relationships, so take this opportunity to build on yours by helping others.

How should I feel about asking for a discount?

Each one of my clients things they should be getting a considerable discount at this time, and in come cases, this is undoubtedly true. But generally I have advised them to be sensitive and sensible. Consider the artist and gallery, and what their situation might be. Sure, if a mega-gallery is selling an established, big-name artist, then be bullish and go for the most significant discount possible. However, if the artist is emerging, and the gallery small, then be courteous and maybe don’t even ask for a discount; a difference of 20 or 30 percent might not break the bank for you, but it could be hugely significant to them.

I was thinking of selling a piece from my collection, but now I’m unsure. Is this a bad time to consign?

The crisis has brought about an influx of buyers who are using this opportunity to grab works by artists that got away, or fill gaps in their collections. But what about the other side: What if you were thinking of selling, but are now worried that you won’t get the right price? First and foremost, be realistic. The art market at large has been wildly over-inflated for some time, and this crisis is bring around a badly needed price correction. As a result, the fact that the piece you are selling might not get what it would have a few months ago should not put you off, as it’s probably now just in line with the times. Similar to when buying a work, establish a price you would happy to receive and try to stick to that.

I’m overwhelmed by what’s on offer and how to access it. What is the best way to navigate this new online world?

I would argue that using the services of an art adviser is more important now than it has ever been. For the foreseeable future, the luxury of being able to pop into a gallery, view a piece at an auction house, or fly off to an art fair is off the table. Instead, would-be buyers are confronted by an infinite number of dealers, galleries, and other outlets to choose from online. All we have is our screens, allowing us to peruse the online auctions, log into the viewing rooms, or search the immense digital marketplace. Everything is now two-dimensional. Details, depth, material, and scale are hard to ascertain online, so how do you know what’s best?

It’s our job as advisers to have already seen as much as possible, enabling us to give you our advice. Second to perhaps auctioneers, we are the ones who see the most material, by traveling the world and experiencing art in every setting it’s solds or show in, and as such we are well positioned to give sensible, reliable advice. Provide us with a budget and criteria of what you are looking for, and we can sift through all the noise that is now the artworld online and bring you what you want. Gone are the days of home visits to discuss options and view bare walls; instead we can have Zoom calls to conduct meetings and have virtual tours of your home(s).

The artworld is very different from what it was even a month ago, but the opportunities are still as exciting as ever, so embrace this new reality, support the industry, and call upon an adviser like me if you are seeking some guidance.

Image: Nan Goldin, 1st days in quarantine, Brooklyn, NY, 2020. © Nan Goldin. Courtesy of the artist and Marian Goodman Gallery New York, Paris and London.

November 2019
Artsy
December 2017
Article
December 2017
GQ Magazine
February 2015
BBC
December 2014
The New York Times
December 2014
Vanity Fair
October 2013
Vanity Fair

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Narcissus Arts opens up the art world to a new generation of collector. By focusing solely on pieces below £10,000, we bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in more affordable art for private, corporate and commercial clients.

The art world is full of amazing opportunities to buy good, original, interesting work that is still affordable; you just need to know where to look.

Whether you are looking to grow your private collection, to kit out your offices, or to add some character to your commercial venue, Narcissus Arts can help.

Not only do we source works to fit any budget, space and style, but we also take care of tasks such as framing, installation, conservation and cataloguing – all of which are key to maintaining any art collection.

Narcissus Arts was founded by Nicholas Campbell in 2010 after gaining significant experience in the contemporary art world.

Nick has features in editorial pieces for publications such as The New York Times, Vanity Fair, and the BBC amongst others. He was also chosen as the UK’s Best Art Consultant Under 35 by Spears Magazine in 2014.

Nick also sits on the committee for Outset Young Production Fund as is a member of the New 100 Club, a collection of the top 100 young art collectors worldwide.

Acquired for a Corporate Client, Chelsea (2013)
Michael Craig Martin - Chair (2013)
Acquired for a Private Client, Lancaster Gate (2015)
Harland Miller - This is Where It's Fucking At (2012)
Acquired for a Private Client, Notting Hill (2013)
John Houck - Untitled (2013)
Acquired for a Corporate Collection (2015)
A collection of prints, sculptures and photographs.
Acquired for a Corporate Collection, Westminster (2014)
A collection of paintings and sculptures.
Acquired for Private Client, Belgravia
Bridget Riley - Composition with Circles (2001)
Acquired for a Commercial Collection, London (2015)
Smith & Wollensky - in collaboration with Martin Brudnizki Design Studio.
Acquired for a Corporate Collection, Dorset
A collection of prints and photographs.