LOUISE ROBINSON
JOURNAL
19 April 2020
IN CONVERSATION WITH
Georgie Grandy of GrandyArt
All too often our walls lay bare until we know exactly what we want to go where, yet few things are as simple and transformative as getting the stuff you love, up on the wall. So given we’ve probably never known our homes better, it seemed the ideal time to catch up with the delightful Georgie Grandy of GrandyArt to pick her brain on how to use this time wisely for a bit of a reshuffle.
1. WHAT ARE YOUR SUGGESTIONS FOR GROUPING ARTWORK AND HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHICH PIECE SHOULD GO WHERE?
“Whether you’re in the gallery or at home, you hang pictures to fit the space and the room – but in each of these scenarios, the effect is very different. Away from the expanse of gallery white walls, you hang according to the layout and character of the room. Work to the furniture: you don’t need to fit the whole space, anchor your artworks to specific pieces such as above the sofa or a side-table. And often smaller pictures will look much better grouped together than spaced around the room in an attempt to fill the wall space.”
Image courtesy of Ciara Elliot
2. SALON/ GALLERY WALLS ARE A FIRM FAVOURITE AND GREAT WAY TO ADD PERSONALITY TO A ROOM BUT HOW DO YOU LOOK TO PULL TOGETHER A COLLECTION?
“I love salon walls because there’s room for everything, they’re all encompassing. They’re a collector’s dream because you can always find a space for something so you can simply buy what you like knowing that it will work somewhere. They’re also totally personal, they’re led by you. Some people prefer symmetry, others like the more randomness. Ideally, you’re looking for balance. Often you’ll see pictures hung in ways that apparently break all the rules but work perfectly.
“A helpful way is to lay them all out on the floor first so you can play around with the layouts. Try different things out and you’ll know when it feels right. Equally if you’re not sure, they’re also a perfect excuse to call in the professionals. A great hanger can be the answer to everything- top tip, Hang-man Peter Haslam-Fox (www.hang-man.co.uk), a total pro and my go-to man on all things hanging.”
3. AND WHAT ABOUT FRAMING?
“Framing is an artform in itself. A good frame will make all the difference and can completely transform a picture. Whether it’s beautifully gilded or a simple box frame, it should work in partnership with the picture. However, there are so many ways to do this and often this is personal preference so if you feel the frame is not right for the picture or the space, change it. Then take it to a good framing studio and work with your framer.
“Framing is also a great way to refresh (or upscale) less expensive or older dated pieces which can be transformed by a more contemporary look (unless, of course, they’re antiques, in which case always get advice first!).”
4. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR BUYING ART PARTICULARLY ANY ADVICE ON HOW BEST TO SPEND WISELY?
“Buying art should ideally be fun, so enjoy the process of looking, trust your judgement and above all, buy what you like.
“When it comes to spending, fortunately there’s so much transparency so you can see what pieces are selling for across the board. Ultimately, find someone you trust. Galleries, like interior designers, will have very close relationships with their clients and will usually know their artists incredibly well. So when you find the right one you should feel like you’re operating on safe and solid ground.
“I also love a bit of savvy spending. Investing in younger artists before the price is driven up by reputation is a great way to do this.”
5. LASTLY, IS THERE ANYONE TO LOOK OUT FOR FOLLOWING YOUR RECENT EXHIBITION AT THE AFFORDABLE ART FAIR?
"I’m very excited by the young British artist Tom Stevenson at the moment. He has got a show coming up in November with another fantastic en plein artist Maria Rose, so they’re firmly on my horizon right now.”
Georgie Grandy
GrandyArt
Email: georgie@grandyart.com
Address: New Kings House, 136 - 144 New Kings Rd, London, SW6 4LZ