At home with….Julia Korner

18 March 2021

Julia Korner is a specialist and lecturer in fine art conservation and restoration of paintings, sculptures and frames. She is also a valuer, passionate collector, advisor and curator of paintings and works of art.

Julia trained as an illustrator and art historian in London and Cambridge, and then as a conservator of easel paintings and as a carver and gilder specialising in frames and polychrome sculpture. In 1978 she began her 20-year career at Christie’s as a paintings specialist, building extensive knowledge of Old Masters, and of British, European and American paintings from the 1700s onwards. She set up Christie’s Maritime Department in 1987, followed by the Frames sales, Aeronautical sales, Exploration and Travel, and the Polar sales, developing them into their current pre-eminence in the international auction world. Here she shares her top tips for art collectors.

Last year brought about many changes as a result of the pandemic, were there any consequences for you as an art professional?

The silence, with no business at all coming in. My lectures for The Art Society were even cancelled.

Were there any changes in the art market that surprised you, or any works or artists that stood out for you during that time?

What amazed me was how buoyant the art market seemed to remain, with clients rarely able to view sales in the flesh yet the prices remained strong.

Many people who are new to buying art are looking for inspiration and guidance from those that have been buying art for a while, especially when it comes to buying their first work of art. Do you remember your first art purchase?

That’s a difficult one as I have been totting from my earliest years, with my hard-earned pocket money, then in monthly instalments with rather more grown up things. And then, buying seriously as an advisor for museums, art galleries and collectors across the world for the last 40 years. The greatest tip I can give, as an art historian, conservator, handmade frame maker and fine art advisor, is to buy things that you really love, then they will give you pleasure for the rest of your life. Aim high as they will almost definitely be the finest investments and ask for advice on the condition of the work of art, and its provenance – this is essential.

You are not only a fine art specialist but also a picture conservator, maker of exquisite frames and a valuer. With all those hats on is there one stand out tip that you can give to those who are starting a collection or considering buying their first work of art?

Aim for quality and something that really makes your heart burst with joy.

Is there one work that you either own or would like to own that stands out above all others for you?

I absolutely love an Indian Nineteenth Century painted horse and rider, which stands in our kitchen on our sideboard, over a metre in diameter. I love its flamboyance, the sense of colour that the carver has brought to this piece and I love it too for having come from that magnificent country, where I love the people. It fills me with joy and a yearning to return. We have had it for over 30 years, and we treasure it.

Many collectors are looking to deepen their knowledge of the arts and the market. Is there a book that inspired you?

I would look no further than Kenneth Clark’s Civilisation. It is available in book form or DVD; it is a tour de force of brilliant eloquence and spontaneous detail, narrated flawlessly without a note in sight, going through the centuries with a deep understanding and love for his subject. He is my hero.

What do you feel is the role of art professionals and advisors and how do you think they can help collectors?

I can only speak for myself in this context. The advice that I give museums, art galleries, collectors and investors is based on over 40 years in the art world as a trained art historian and conservator, and in addition, making beautiful, unusual frames and cabinets as well as being a valuer, auctioneer and fine art agent. Make sure that if you are uncertain about what to buy, or need advice, you go to the right person. Someone who is honest, who puts themselves in your shoes, who has real respect for your desire to invest wisely. Make sure you are on the same wavelength as your advisor and you feel you can trust them and that they have proper experience in this role. Trust is a very important thing when you are acquiring a piece: trust, quality, provenance and condition, these four things are vital and, above all else, buy not for investment but for love of a work of art. Then you can never loose, as it will be in your heart forever.

What is the one thing you look forward to in the art world in 2021?

I just look forward to venturing out to see fabulous exhibitions and learning from what I see. I long for people to start challenging us again with works of art, coming to the studios here in West London for conservation. We love variety and being stretched, conserving easel paintings, works on paper, making unusual beautiful frames. Recently, in lockdown, we have started to make cabinets with mirror backs inside, which have brought us so much joy. So, roll on pictures coming in again! Let me know if we can ever help you in your quest to acquire treasures at auction, or otherwise, and I in turn would love to be your eyes and ears seeking out beautiful, honest pieces with spotless provenance that will bring you and all my other local clients joy for ever. Our world has to be full of exquisite things, however humble or great they may be! Finally, thank you for taking the time to read my heartfelt thoughts on our precious art world.

Read more about Julia’s work here www.juliakorner.com.