How to Develop Your Own Collecting Theme

How to Develop Your Own Collecting Theme

Building an art collection is one of the most exciting journeys you can take – and the most successful collections often have something in common: a clear sense of purpose. A theme not only brings your collection together visually and conceptually, but also gives each acquisition real meaning.

Start With What You Love

The best collections start with instinct. What catches your eye? Bold colour? Minimalist lines? Stories about identity, place or heritage? Keep track of what you’re drawn to – before long, you’ll start to see a pattern emerge.

Shape Your Story

Once you notice the themes in your taste, give them structure. Perhaps you want to focus on emerging British painters, explore figurative works by women artists, or collect pieces that connect to sustainability and materiality. Giving your collection a purpose means every new artwork becomes part of a bigger story.

Themes can take many forms:

• A medium (photography, painting, mixed media)

• A concept (identity, the environment, social issues)

• A movement or period (British Modernism, Post-War abstraction)

• A geographic focus (UK contemporary art, African modernism)

Collector Case Studies

Charles Saatchi
Few collectors have shaped British art like Saatchi. His early focus on the Young British Artists (YBAs) of the 1990s – including Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, and Sarah Lucas – transformed a generation of emerging talent into international names. His collection demonstrates the power of a theme rooted in risk-taking and innovation.

Anita Zabludowicz
Through the Zabludowicz Collection, Anita has championed contemporary artists working in new media, from immersive installations to digital art. Her approach shows how a theme can reflect an openness to experimentation and technology.

David Bowie
Bowie collected with his heart, building a deeply personal collection of British modernists like Frank Auerbach and contemporary artists such as Damien Hirst. His collection reflected his identity as both an artist and a cultural innovator.

Komal Shah
Based in Silicon Valley, Shah’s collection is dedicated to women and artists of colour, featuring names like Julie Mehretu and Simone Leigh – an example of how collecting can drive representation and cultural dialogue.

Pamela Joyner
Pamela Joyner’s collection highlights African-American abstraction, with works by Sam Gilliam and Norman Lewis, turning a personal passion into a globally recognised mission.

Famous Names Who Collect

Collecting art isn’t limited to the art world – sports stars and cultural icons are just as passionate:

• Serena Williams focuses on contemporary Black artists, including Toyin Ojih Odutola and Radcliffe Bailey, combining collecting with advocacy.

• LeBron James has invested in works like Ernie Barnes’ Sugar Shack, reviving interest in African-American visual culture.

• Jay-Z and Beyoncé are known for collecting major works by artists such as Kerry James Marshall and Derrick Adams, reinforcing the role of art in cultural storytelling.

• Sir Elton John owns one of the most significant photography collections in the world, featuring Man Ray, Cindy Sherman, and Robert Mapplethorpe.

• David Beckham and Eric Cantona have been linked to contemporary art collecting, often focusing on standout statement pieces.

Make It Yours

There’s no right or wrong way to develop a collecting theme. Some collectors love to explore a single medium, like printmaking or photography; others collect across disciplines, focusing instead on ideas such as identity, sustainability or cultural heritage.

If you’re at the start of your journey, consider these questions:

• What themes keep appearing in the artworks you love?

• Do you feel drawn to certain stories, techniques, or cultural references?

• Do you want to support emerging artists or invest in established names?

Why It Matters

A theme gives your collection cohesion – but more than that, it reflects who you are. It turns buying art into something purposeful, something that can grow with you over time.

So, what story will your collection tell?
 

Your 5-Step Checklist for Starting a Collecting Theme

1. Define Your Interests
   Write down recurring styles, subjects, or ideas in the art you love.

2. Set a Budget
   Decide what you’re comfortable spending – remember, you can build a strong collection at any price point.

3. Research and Learn
   Follow DegreeArt artists, read about movements, and visit graduate shows, fairs, and open studios.

4. Start Small, Start Now
   Invest in a piece that excites you. Prints, drawings, and small works are a great way to begin.

5. Build Relationships
   Connect with artists, galleries, and online platforms like DegreeArt – relationships are key to discovering unique opportunities and commissions.

Start Your Theme Today

At DegreeArt Gallery, we specialise in connecting collectors with the most exciting emerging artists. From affordable original works to bespoke commissions, we help you create a collection that reflects your passion and your values.

Please Contact Gallery Director Isobel Beauchamp to book in a viewing at your convenience for collecting enquiries: [email protected]/ 07708 251 687

Explore curated collections now or speak to our advisors about building your personal art story.