Christmas Reading: Affairs of the Art – Love, Loss and Power in the Art World: How An Artist Becomes Immortal or Not

By David Hulme & Brigitte Banziger, on 19-Dec-2013

This is a cover and title sure to attract the eyes of buyers who would not usually go for non-fiction: the millions of fans of romance novels. It certainly offers some of the elements, but sadly starts when the romance is over: after the death of the artist, and deals with the decidedly unromantic issues of money, influence and power.

In her first publication, arts writer and editor of the AFR magazine Katrina Strickland tells the fascinating story of how artists’ spouses (mostly widows) handle legacies and often large estates, and how in the process can emerge the most successful artists.

In her first publication, arts writer and editor of the AFR magazine Katrina Strickland tells the fascinating story of how artists’ spouses (mostly widows) handle legacies and often large estates, and how in the process can emerge the most successful artists – think Brack, Gascoigne, Tucker, Williams or Whiteley.

However, it is clear that there is not one sure-fire way to build an artist’s profile and enduring success. Mistakes are often made and there is no quick fix when opportunities are passed up. One case in point may be the fate of George Baldessin’s estate. On the other hand, Lyn Williams’ story shows that there is no job description for ‘artist’s widow’ - however she may have set the gold standard for it.

Looking after an artist’s estate is a long-term project that doesn’t necessarily come with guaranteed monetary returns. However, the combination of copyright fees and resale royalties offering (in some cases) substantial passive income, could make it something worth fighting for. As it is, it is mostly the female spouses taking up the baton (which makes me wonder whether some of the harsh criticism they face in the course of action may be due to gender stereotypes).

Considering the difficulties authors of artist’s biographies can face, it is testament to Strickland’s skills that the protagonists agreed to speak with her at all, and so frankly at that.

Not only the spouses, but also many art industry insiders talk shop with the author, from dealers to auctioneers, curators and collectors. This may be one of the publications where you’ll want to check out the index first – you won’t be disappointed. You’ll also get thrown in an observer’s account of what happened in the Australian auction industry during the last ten years which have certainly been quite turbulent, to say the least.

This book is as gripping a yarn as any bodice ripper, a must-read for anybody interested in the Australian art world, and in particular the secondary market.  

Katrina Strickland, Affairs of the Art – Love, Loss and Power in the Art World,

Melbourne University Press, 2013, paperback $34.99; ebook $19.99

This book review was first published in CANVASS, the  new quarterly e-magazine of the Art Consulting Association of Australia, and is republished with the permission of the authors.  http://www.acaa.org.au/canvass.php

About The Author

Brigitte Banziger and David Hulme are the principals of Banziger Hulme Fine Art Consultants, established since 2003. With their combined experience of over 40 years, they provide private collectors as well as companies and public institutions with independent expert art valuations. In addition to their appraisals for insurance, family law, deceased estates and market values, they assist clients with transparent advice when buying or selling an individual artwork or an entire collection, for some of Australia’s most significant private collectors. David Hulme is an approved valuer for the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program, and both Brigitte and David are members of the Art Consulting Association of Australia, where David served as President from 2015 to 2019. David Hulme is a regular art market critic and commentator on the Australian art market and has been interviewed by numerous media, including the 'Australian Financial Review', 'The Australian' and 'The Sydney Morning Herald'. He has also been interviewed on Network 10’s 'The Project', on the ABC’s Radio National Breakfast show with Hamish MacDonald, the ABC’s 'The Business' program amongst many others.

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