21st Century Collecting

Join Christie’s Education for a three-day London intensive exploring what it means to collect art today. Through expert-led lectures, gallery visits, studio encounters and private collection visits, participants will gain practical guidance on acquisitions, collection management, patronage, preservation, legacy and the wider responsibilities of collecting.

First-hand insights from artists, collectors and advisors
London Autumn Intensive

Designed for new and experienced collectors alike, 21st Century Collecting offers a practical and engaging introduction to building, managing and developing a collection with confidence. Led by Georgia Powell, co-founder of CURA Art, the course combines lectures, case studies, studio visits, gallery tours and conversations with specialists from across the London art world.

Across three days, participants will explore the role of the collector today, from acquisition strategy and market relationships to documentation, due diligence, conservation, philanthropy and legacy. The course places collecting within a broader cultural ecosystem, considering how collectors can act not only as owners, but as supporters, patrons and custodians of art.
  • 16-18 September 2026
  • 10am-6pm BST
  • Christie's London
  • £950
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Study at the world's leading Auction House 

Christie’s, the world's oldest fine art auctioneer, has sold fine art, furniture, jewellery and wine since James Christie conducted the first sale in London on 5 December 1766.

Ever since, Christie’s London has continued to provide the perfect backdrop for the sales of the world’s finest collections and greatest works of art. 

The gallery spaces at King Street are transformed into classrooms during our exclusive programming in London, so that students are immersed in the fast-paced environment of the auction house.
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Certification Included

All attendees will be awarded a physical certificate of completion issued by Christie's Education at the end of the programme.

Schedule

Gallery tours and studio visits are shown for example only. To give you a sense of what to expect on this course, this is the schedule from a previous season.

Day 1

10am | The Role of the Collector Today - Georgia Powell
This session will introduce the course, and the role of the collector within history and today, considering why and how people have collected. Current collecting trends will be discussed, with case studies and helpful tips for navigating the art market and building relationships with key players.

11:30am | Collecting is Not Just Acquiring - Precious Opara, Christina Makris and Alice Black
The patronage and philanthropy of collectors is becoming increasingly vital for the support of artists and sustaining the arts more broadly. Whether it be focusing their acquisitions on under-represented groups, educational or philanthropic initiatives, providing access to the works they own, or supporting artists directly through funding and grants, this renewed sense of patronage will be vital to the arts going forward.
This session will explore the increasingly important role collectors have, and the fulfilling and impactful experience it can be. You will consider collecting strategy, and ways to focus your patronage. You will also learn about building meaningful relationships with artists, working with specialists, and how to be a part of the art eco-system through philanthropy.

2pm | The Importance of Being Informed - CURA Art, Hallett Independent and Flynn & Giovani
Collectors are custodians for an artwork or object during their lifetime or the time it spends with them, yet the work will live on with the right care. It is important for collectors to understand the surrounding responsibilities to owning art and precious objects, but this should not be an overwhelming prospect.
This practical and informative workshop session will include several specialists and introduce important subjects to consider when owning art, including inventory management and documentation, research and due-diligence before and after sale, as well as how to safely display and store art with preservation in mind. Storage, framing and other logistics will be discussed, as well as the importance of valuations and appropriate insurance.

You will leave the session with top tips that can be easily implemented into your collecting practice.

4pm | Tour of Christie's warehouse

5pm | Visit to Simon Gillespie Conservation Studio

6pm | Day ends

Day 2

10am | Nancy Cadogan studio visit

12pm | Tour of primary market galleries

2:30pm | Thinking to the Future and the Potential of Collections - Jo Baring and Alice Minter
In this session, we will hear from a group of collectors of varying disciplines and interests, and at different stages of their collecting journey. Their experiences and insight will provide inspiring and helpful knowledge, and summarise subjects covered throughout the course through real-life examples.
4:30pm | Visit to Valeria Napoleone's Collection

5:30pm | Day ends

Day 3

10am | Visit to Ivor Braka's Collection

11:30am | Tour of British Art Fair highlights at Saatchi Gallery

2:30pm | Visit to Cristea Roberts Gallery - Charlotte Salisbury

3:30pm | Panel Discussion with Collectors – Georgia Powell, Rachel Verghis and Antony Wright

5pm | Course ends
 
*Schedule and topics are subject to change.

Expertise from the heart of the London art scene

Experience the city’s contemporary art ecosystem through expert-led sessions, gallery visits, studio encounters and collection visits.

Develop a collecting strategy

Consider how personal interests, research, market knowledge and support for artists can shape a thoughtful and meaningful collection.

Manage and preserve your collection

Learn practical approaches to documentation, due diligence, inventory management, display, storage, valuation and insurance.

Build art-world relationships

Explore how collectors can work with artists, galleries, curators, advisors and specialists with greater confidence.

Understand collecting as patronage

Consider the role collectors can play in supporting artists, institutions and the wider cultural ecosystem.

Promote and Support Artistic Communities

Understand the role of patronage and philanthropy in the arts, and how to use your collection to support and promote contemporary artists and contribute positively to the broader art ecosystem.

Here's what our students have said:



"An excellent setting for the learning, a broad and interesting international cohort, well-chosen and industry-leading speakers, fascinating studio and gallery visits, and, of course, our excellent hosts - thank you!"


"The course structure, topics and lectures were expertly organised and ordered to be a wonderful introduction into the industry. I always felt our Christie's Education hosts were constantly engaged and attentive to our needs, anticipating any needs/access requirements throughout the day."

For any queries about this course please contact:

Christie's Education 
Telephone: +44 20 7839 9060
Email: education@christies.com

For more information please refer to our FAQs