I'm new to art collecting. Should I buy a Banksy?'

5 NOVEMBER 2019 • 7:00AM

First World Problems is a new column by Telegraph Luxury in which our experts advise readers on their lifestyle dilemmas, on subjects from jewellery to dining. It is published every Tuesday at 7am

“Should I buy a Banksy? I’m a new collector and am only just beginning to invest in art. I’ve noticed that his works are relatively well-priced, yet his profile seems to have remained high for many years - and unlike some other ‘affordable’ artists, all my friends have heard of him. The art itself doesn’t excite me, but perhaps that doesn’t matter. Please advise! ” J M-C, London

The traditional reply is that you should buy what you like, but I think this needs to be qualified. Buying art is a very particular kind of financial, emotional and public investment - the work will live with you for years and you shouldn’t settle when you can take some time to learn or be guided towards work that will really reward in all sorts of ways.

We accept that taste evolves when it comes to food and films, but there is a reluctance to accept this when it comes to art. People don’t appreciate having their taste questioned, but ideas around contemporary art have been developing for decades and you need time to catch up.

You don’t want to collect for your friends. We all understand the impulse to own art that they recognise, that validates our taste, but is taste really displayed by having the same art as everyone else?

I’m not suggesting you become one of those who only sees worth in niche interests, but it is better to search out what you genuinely respond to. I don’t think that loving a piece is always enough to suggest you buy it, but I certainly think that if you don’t find it engaging, you shouldn’t buy it.

If your intention is to collect purely for investment, then, though Banksy’s profile fluctuates, it is true that his auction results have stayed strong – perhaps he has done enough to secure his place in living memory. But I don’t think a future financial return should ever be your sole motivation. Even if it is, there is work out there that will excite you and might also be an excellent investment.

So what about Banksy? I have to admit, when I hear his name I sigh a little inside. He has become one of the acceptable, though anonymous, faces of contemporary art. Those who are beginning to think about collecting often gravitate towards his multiples for their affordable prices and their sanitized edginess.

They seem to promise that a little bit of street culture, and politics, and ‘sticking it to the man’ will be bestowed upon their owners. To me this looks as convincing as the wannabe punks who wander down Carnaby Street with their floppy hair sprayed red from a can bought in Boots.

There is value in Banksy’s work - the stencils and stunts are accessible and engaging, but his painted footprint in the common consciousness is way too big. We need a greater awareness of all the other artists who successfully tackle contemporary ideas.

Finding that work on your own is difficult - you don’t need to kiss a lot of frogs, but you do need to go and see them. Fortunately there are gallerists and advisors who have a genuine understanding of what is out there and who can offer you a short cut to the best available work.

Take your time, talk to people, see some shows, do your research and beware of the charlatans.

If you have a question for any of our Telegraph Luxury experts, on any topic, please email firstworldproblems@telegraph.co.uk