Q. I am a quite successful artist and have regular
West End exhibitions. Unfortunately. I also have a very rich sister-in-law who thinks she is helping my career by buying up quantities of rny pictures at each show, often under assumed names and paying in cash. These then join the unhung stack languishing in her London cellar. Her intention is apparently to create a buzz about my work and make my dealer think that it appeals to a wide spectrum of people. I fear her behaviour may cause him to draw precisely the opposite conclusion. I am sorry to say that I also find her whole attitude enormously patronising. How should I handle this delicate situation, Mary?
Name and address withheld A. Why not turn it to your advantage by tentatively arranging a show of your work in some pleasantly obscure European gallery? This would enable you to say to your sister-in-law, `You have been so loyal and supportive of my career in the past. Now there is a chance for you to really help me out. I have overcommitted myself and will not have time to prepare enough work for this show. Could I borrow back your entire collection on a sale-or-return basis — just the unhung ones that you are not yet that attached to?' In this way you will gently force her to address the issue of how her bulk-purchasing might have distorted the market for your work. You will also be able to raise your profile in another country without busting a gut to do so.
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