Modern kaleidoscopes: collecting & investing
by Judith Paul
I am, by vocation, an art conservator and by avocation, a kaleidoscope
lover. Professionally it is my pleasure and profit to care for
the painting collections of others. On my own time I spend some
of that profit on my passion for kaleidoscopes. I collect with
an eye to investment.
We
collect kaleidoscope for all the reasons we collect other forms
of art: as an adventurous hobby, to add beauty to our lives,
express interest in an art form, search for the perfect piece
to enhance a collection, to decorate and enliven our homes, to
share a passion, to encourage the creativity of artists, to feed
an addiction and to invest.
If
we collect what we love, we will never be disappointed. Beyond
love, there are factors we should keep in mind when considering
a purchase.
1.
Quality of construction
Whatever the medium, there are better and lesser crafts people.
Excellence of materials combined with beauty of execution affect
the durability and value of the art.
2.
Authenticity
Signed and dated pieces from the artist or reputable dealer are
the most collectible. Supportive documents are important to the
provenance (the pedigree) of any artwork.
3.
Importance and reputation of the artist
Creativity, innovative design, and excellent workmanship are
sought and admired by collectors. A true artist's work is valued
for its quality, individuality and soul.
4.
The style: typical or rare
Some prefer to collect the premiere examples of particular forms.
Others are drawn to rare, odd or one-of-a-kind scopes. Either
approach can be rewarding.
5.
Aesthetic merit
This is the most individual and personal criterion. The pleasure
of owning something beautiful is a powerful factor in collecting.
Critical acclaim can affect our judgement but it is our own experience
and sophistication that most often tells us what beauty is.
6.
Rarity
The fewer there are, the more they are desired. Some artists
make only one-of-a-kind art. Others control price and availability
by limiting their editions to ten or fifty pieces. These pieces
are signed and numbered consecutively from one through the last
number in the edition.
7.
Significance in the history of the art form.
Innovation is a cardinal marker of value to a serious collector
/ investor. A scope that pushes the borders and redefines the
limits has additional appeal to collectors.
The
provenance (a history of the origins and ownership of a particular
work of art) can be an important factor in terms of investment
collecting. Pieces might be de-accessed from the holdings of
distinguished collectors. Records should be kept of all such
transactions.
A
wonderful example of an investable modern scope is, of course,
the legendary Van Dyke Series II. Introduced in 1980 in a limited
edition of 50, it retailed for $3,800. It now sells easily for
twice that figure. By all investment criteria, the Van Dyke Series
II is a classic investment. I wish I had one. Or two. One to
keep and enjoy and a second to sell to another scope lover-at
a profit!
[Note:
Ms. Paul took her 'scope passion one step further and became
a kaleidoscope artist. For several years, she and husband Tom
Durden have designed and produced a line of original, beautiful,
exciting and amusing 'scopes for fellow collectors.]
