At home with the collector: Lisa Dawson

Interiors expert, author and art lover Lisa Dawson took us inside her beautiful York home to explore her collection, featuring pieces by The Connor Brothers, Babak Ganjei, Marcelina Amelia and more. Find out Lisa’s art buying tips, from choosing the perfect piece, to making it sing in your home! 

What do you enjoy about hunting for art at Affordable Art Fair?

I am an avid art fan and the best thing about the Affordable Art Fair for me is that it enables you to see lots of amazing artists in one place. It’s brilliant for finding new and upcoming artists but it’s also great to discover creatives that you might have previously missed. It’s also great to meet the gallery owners who can explain more about the art they’re exhibiting and the artists themselves. 

How did you go about building your collection? How has it evolved over the years?

I’ve always loved adding art to my walls but over the last five years, I’ve started to invest in limited edition prints and originals to hang alongside my favourite pieces. I’ve discovered artists that I love and I have a mini-list of galleries which I visit online regularly to see who they’re exhibiting. I now have less art on my walls (although some people would still consider my walls to be busy!) but the pieces that are there are carefully selected. 

You’re a fan of a gallery wall – what is the key to a good hang? 

I am a big fan of French hanging – where you hang the art from the top right to the bottom – as it enables you to create a real focal point in the room as well as being a feast for the eyes. Unless you are a slave to symmetry, I always think that you should mix up your frames and not stick to the same style or colour, mostly because I believe that each piece that you hang is a statement in its own right and you want it stand out. My top tip for wall hanging is don’t overthink it! Lay out what you’d like to hang on the floor first and then add, frame by frame.   

Would you consider yourself a minimalist or a maximalist? 

Neither! In my own home, I stick to a neutral base palette – almost all of my walls are white which means that I can add colour and pattern without fear of clash. It also means that I can move things around easily without worrying if they suit a scheme, making my home a flexible space. 

Can you tell us more about your garden mural? How did this come about? 

Alexandra Gallagher installed a garden mural in my outdoor space a few years ago and she is going to install another one this year. I work closely with my friend Craig, who has an art gallery in York called Art Of Protest – and they represent Alexandra. We are currently working together to plan an installation in the next few months! 

What’s the most treasured piece of art you own and why? 

I have three! One is a huge Slim Aarons canvas that my husband Joe bought me twelve years ago, Hotel Du Cap D’Roc. It’s an eternally happy piece that reminds me of sunshine and holidays and always makes me smile. The second is a Connor Brothers print (a collab with Noel Gallagher) that I bought with some money that I was left from my Dad – all proceeds went to the Teenage Cancer Trust and it was particularly appropriate as my Dad was a musician. The final piece in my collection is a Marcelina Amelia print that my husband bought for my 50th birthday.   

Which galleries or artists are on your radar right now?  

Thanks to Lisa Dawson for sharing her beautiful art collection with us. Lisa is author of the book Resourceful Living, packed full of brilliant ideas for revamping your home with creative repurposing on a budget – and without waste. Follow her on Instagram @_lisa_dawson_.

GET LISA’S ART STYLE AT HOME

Find artworks from featured artists and galleries at one of our upcoming fairs; we’re in London’s Battersea Park from 20 – 23 October, as well as in Melbourne, New York, Amsterdam and more this autumn.