I met up with Miller Gaffney at Park Cafe on Rutledge Ave for a glass of rosé and some “art” talk. Miller, a South Carolina native, is an expert in collecting art and antiques for investment purposes. She has appeared on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow and Market Warriors and will be starring in Ovation's Art Breakers this fall. Miller offered a few essential tips for finding and investing in art. Here is a list of Miller's Gaffney's favorite places to shop in South Carolina, and a few tips when searching for art- "on the hunt."
Miller explains how important it is to check items thoroughly for distinguishing marks that will give you a clue as to where the item came from, how old it is, who made it, and its value. Miller encourages doing some detective work on the object to get a better understanding of its history. For example, inspect the piece for a makers mark when looking at an object. For artwork and photographs, look for a signature and limited edition print. Hallmarks on silver indicate the purity of the silver, and possibly the mark of the manufacturer or silversmith. When looking at furniture, check to see if the item is handmade or factory made. Don’t be afraid to open drawers and look for handcrafted joints, dovetails, as well as any inscriptions or manufacturer’s stamps. Miller recommends using the internet as a resource to find a high and low comparable to help figure out the condition and value of the item. Most importantly, Miller urges anyone collecting or buying art to find out what your passion is and buy what you love.
For more tips from Miller, look for her new book, The Essentials -Passions Collecting Art & Antiques this Fall. Her book promises to demystify collecting and offer a practical art guide for everyone from beginners to connoisseurs.
Miller Gaffney will be at our Charleston Home + Design Show: Fall Edition to share her vast knowledge of the world of art collecting. So whether you're thinking of starting a collection, investing in more art, or need to learn about protecting the art you already have, join us for Miller’s seminar, “Passions: Collecting Art and Antiques” on August 28th from 5:00 −6:30pm. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (843) 577-7652 or visit charlestonhomeanddesignshow.com. Furthermore, Miller will be conducting free appraisals on August 29th and 30th. Bring your treasured piece to the Charleston Area Convention Center either day between 1pm and 5pm to find out the value of your unique antique!
Posted by Heather Epps, Social Media Director, Charleston Home + Design