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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To buy original artwork?

44 replies

Ripperofknitting · 03/11/2016 23:23

I've always fancied the idea of having an original piece of art but generally it's always been out of my price range. The piece I have my eye on probably still is as it means dipping into savings and we're supposed to be saving up for a bigger house.

But I like the idea of owning something that no one on the world has that would bring me joy every time I see it. I can't ask DH at the moment (armed forces and un-contactable for another few weeks) but obviously if I wait that long someone else may snap it up.

I guess long term it may be an investment but who knows?

AIBU to think fuck it and deal with the repercussions when DH gets back (repercussions likely to be no more than him being in a grump for a little while) or should I just hope that it's still available once he's back?

OP posts:
JenLindleyShitMom · 03/11/2016 23:25

I think you should only buy original artwork Grin

newyorker74 · 03/11/2016 23:32

Buy it if you love it. I have a photo which is one of only 150 ever produced and I love it. It's one of my favourite things and I feel happy Everytime I see it.

postitnotes · 03/11/2016 23:36

I have just bought my first proper piece of art. I am feeling slightly sick over the cost, but both me and my husband have agreed if it means that we have no money for next year's holiday then so be it.

JellyBelli · 03/11/2016 23:36

Would you DH love it or hate it?

LuluJakey1 · 03/11/2016 23:36

Buy it if you like it. We have bought 5 pictures in the last couple of years. We lve all of them and they each have their own special place and are one-off oils- ranging from an 18th century Irish piece to an art deco portrait and a 1960s industrial piece. I don't care if anyone else likes them or if they increase in value. Bought them for now and never tire of looking at them.

QueenOfTheNaps · 03/11/2016 23:38

If you're still going to be able to eat this month then buy it Grin
We recently invested in some art work and it seems we made great choices as the value of the pieces has already increased by quite a bit! Wahoo!
We are looking at it as investment/heirlooms so that makes me feel less guilty about the price tag

WiltingTulip · 03/11/2016 23:38

I agree that you should only buy original art!

Buy it. Beautiful art that pulls you like this piece is pulling you will never be a bad buy.

I began buying pieces when I was quite poor and have never regretted it. I have regretted some framing choices Hmm

If your do is away often this will bring you joy while you're at home!

WatchingFromTheWings · 03/11/2016 23:42

I have a lovely original oil painting I bought 18 years ago....paid £150 which was ALOT of money back then (for us). We were on honeymoon and used wedding money. I hadn't set out to buy it but it caught my eye in a shop and just had to go back to get it. Doubt it'll ever be in the realms of Van Gogh or Monet but I absolutely love it! Made sure I got it in the divorce too! Grin

UrethaFranklin · 04/11/2016 00:37

I will disagree with everyone else and say that you shouldn't buy it without checking with your DH first. Especially as you would be spending money that was earmarked for something else.

EatsShitAndLeaves · 04/11/2016 00:52

I have a number of original pieces of art and they all bring me great pleasure.

I've never felt that about a generic print.

Some are simply bought from flea markets in France, or from street artists for relatively small amounts (sub £100) others have been bought from galleries. My favourite was actually a wedding present from PIL's.

If you can afford it I would buy it if you really love it.

enolagayits0815 · 04/11/2016 01:03

I always have original art on the wall, though it helps that i have a couple of artist in the family - a painter and a photographer.

WiddlinDiddlin · 04/11/2016 02:17

I'd buy it but, as a part time artist I am always going to aid and abet people in purchasing original artwork!

AmeliaJack · 04/11/2016 02:31

I wouldn't personally choose art for the house without my DH after all he has to look at it too, however I appreciate that your situation is a little different given that your DH is away.

There was a piece of original art I saw when the DC were very small babies that I really loved and really wanted.

I didn't buy it because it wasn't a sensible use of the money when I'd just become a SAHM.

I still really wish I'd bought it.

user1477282676 · 04/11/2016 03:01

Of course YABU to make large purchases which your partner hasn't agreed to. Just as if he did, HE would BU.

How would you feel if he went and "bought it anyway" even if you disagreed on a large purchase?

Will it be savings you're spending?

Original poster
Ripperofknitting · 04/11/2016 07:46

Thanks for all your messages - I really appreciate them as a first time poster!

I keep thinking how I would feel if someone gets it first and I think I'd be gutted. My husband has been known to buy spontaneous purchases that cost way more than this (before we started seriously saving) and I've always supported him as he has a shit job and deserves to treat himself with the money he's earned. Technically, it would be my savings as we both have separate savings accounts (I know that would be another MN debate but it's a set up that suits us Smile)

I think I'm going to get it Grin - if he has a grump, I'll tell him I'll happily do without Christmas and birthday presents for as long as it takes to pay it off. Plus he's fucked off to work and left me to potty train DS so he owes me big time!!

OP posts:
ZaraW · 04/11/2016 08:00

Never regretted buying art unlike clothes where I have many regrets.

Lokisglowstickofdestiny · 04/11/2016 08:05

I have purchased a few paintings, but did so with the agreement of DH as he would also have to look at them everyday so right that he has a say. Luckily we have similar tastes. I love my paintings, I don't see them as an investment just something to enjoy.

OurBlanche · 04/11/2016 08:21

I don't regret the original art I have bought, with or without DHs approval.

He is just finishing the redecoration of our *art gallery, so none of the pictures are up yet. We've only been here 2 years... soon, soon Smile

*Tall stair well with no windows.

echt · 04/11/2016 08:26

YY to original. We have quite a bit in our house, some limited editions, one-off garden sculptures.

LahLahsBigBand · 04/11/2016 08:27

It depends on the gallery, and as a novice this might not work for you as you've not established a relationship with them (yet!) but it is often possible to reserve a work (sometimes with a deposit to show you're serious). Then, if DH absolutely hates it, you can back out. I think you should only buy original art too Grin

londonrach · 04/11/2016 08:37

Yanbu.. weve only got orginal art on the wall. It doesnt have to be expensive. Weve got alot from antique shops, charity shops. I. Love the colour of the ones painted in the 1930s. Our most expensive one cost £25 and we hum and arred about spending that but it was air ambulance so good cause. In fact we walked out of charity shop as had no money to spend on anything but food at the time. Decided to not do something instead (we put money aside of that) and returned to buy it. I cant tell you the pleasure it gives us every day. Only buy something you like though. Also check its not a print etc.

junebirthdaygirl · 04/11/2016 08:39

Could it be dhs Christmas present for you? Or coming home present? Will he be home for Christmas? My dh would love that as save him scrambling around looking for something l would like.

LRDtheFeministDragon · 04/11/2016 08:40

If you and your DH have an understanding that you do buy stuff like this without consulting, maybe - but you sound a bit doubtful and I don't think I would do this unless I was fairly sure it'd be something my partner would like.

I think calling it an investment is just, well, deluding yourself and a bit pretentious. Buying original art is nice as it supports someone whose job is making art, and as it gives you something you won't see everywhere else.

weegiemum · 04/11/2016 08:49

We have a few pieces we love that are originals, from local artists and places we've visited, bought on holiday and at the Edinburgh festival.

We also have 2 one-offs and a limited edition print by Oliver Jeffers (children's author, wrote Lost and Found etc) as my MIL is good friends with his Dad! Our dc all have 1st edition signed copies of his books as well.

The art we've bought on holidays (from Barcelona to Guatemala) and in places we've lived (Outer Hebrides) brings back fantastic memories and we don't care about the value, we bought things because we love them.

knaffedoff · 04/11/2016 08:51

My two favourite pieces of artwork came from students. One student had a small exhibition in Waterstones which we bought and got the artist to sign (she was thrilled as were we)

But my absolute favourite piece was created as part of a big collection, the artist decided he/she didn't like them and threw them in the bin. They were retrieved by my fil and I eventually persuaded (after many years) to gift them to me.

Much prefer originals to ikea / next specials!