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Whether you're a first time buyer or a collector wanting something new, the New English Art Club offers an exciting range of works for under £500. 

Below, we highlight a few standout works, along with some tips to help you buy with confidence. 

Start with what you love

When starting a collection, it can be tempting to think about investments, themes or interiors. Whilst they may come into play later, collecting should always start with a personal connection to the work. 

When you start with what you love, your collection becomes filled with stories, memories, and feelings that matter to you. 

Invest in emerging artists

Buying work by emerging artists is one of the most exciting and potentially rewarding ways to start collecting. Not only are prices generally more accessible, but you’re supporting an artist at the start of their career. 

Christina Pocock, October Light, £320

This is Christina Pocock's first year exhibiting at Mall Galleries, and she is certainly one to watch. This is the perfect opportunity to own an early piece from an emerging artist. 

Shawn Lee, Passage through North Parade, £425

Shawn Lee exhibted in RBA Rising Stars last year, and this year has been awarded the NEAC Scholarship. Rooted in impressionism, his style blends contemporary techniques with traditional methods, exploring everyday life, landscapes and intimate moments. 

Connection through places and feelings

Another great place to start when building your collection is by connecting with meaningful places. Whether that be a favourite holiday spot or familiar landscape, choosing work that reflects somewhere you love can bring memories into your home. 

Steve Browning, Steps of Valencia Market, £300

Painted plein-air, Browning's painting is the perfect example of how art can change the feel of a room, transporting you to warm summers market day in Valencia.

Nick Tidman NEAC PPRBA, Dungeness 10, £500

For anyone who has spent a summer's day in Dungeness, NEAC member Nick Tidman's work is a strong choice for evoking memories. 

Fiona Hamilton, Greville Smyth Cedar, £395

Shortlisted for this year's Climate Emergency Prize, Hamilton's work 'explores the ecological sublime and an appreciation of the majesty of nature. She draw's the viewer into an ethereal landscape, that has impact on our sense of place in relation to the natural world.'

Support established artists

Established artists offer a level of consistency and recognition that can bring confidence to starting your collection.

Michelle Anderson, Lacock Abbey, £450

Michelle Anderson has been a practicing artist for over 30 years. 

'Rather than literal depictions, my aim is to evoke atmosphere, memory, perhaps movement and the essence of the landscape — its subtleties, it’s quirks, and it’s transience. I paint because it’s what I’ve always done, it’s a kind of quiet conversation with the world around me.'

Buying Tips

• Buy what you love - your collection should be a reflection of your tastes, memories and values. 
• Split the cost with Own Art - Mall Galleries offer Own Art—a brilliant way to make collecting art more accessible. It’s an interest-free loan that lets you spread the cost of an artwork over 10 months, meaning you can take home a piece you love today and pay gradually.
• Consider buying prints - Buying limited edition prints are a great and affordable way to support artists, and learn more about your tastes in art.
• Keep an eye out for FBA Annual Exhibitions - shows like the NEAC Annual Exhibition offer a really exciting range of work, with varying styles, sizes, price ranges and artist backgrounds, making them the perfect place to start your collection. 
• Ask us! - The team at Mall Galleries are here for you through every step of your buying journey. If you are curious about an artist or artwork, speak to our wonderful gallery staff!

You don't need to be an expert to buy art or own a collection, just a genuine interest, an open mind, and the willingness to take the first step.

With a great selection of works under £500, the New English Art Club Annual Exhibition is the perfect place to start!