Why the French love it; Art that is.

Examples of some of my smaller pieces in a relaxed dining room setting

Last week, whilst listening to Six Music in my studio, painting away without a care in the world, I heard the most interesting  statistic I've ever heard about art.
Only 0.5% of British homes have original art hung on the walls. Half a percent. Seriously?
[I'm guessing this doesn't include the kids pictures on the fridge].
I was shocked. But this was only half the quote.
78% of French homes have original art adorning their walls.
78%! 
Wow.

It didn't surprise me to know that more French homes have original art in them than British homes. But those numbers- 0.5% versus 78%: that really did surprise me.
Why is this?
The French are known for their style and their élan.
If there is a choice the French will more likely choose elegance over efficiency.
But are our French counterparts so steeped in culture that they feel original art, over a cheap mass produced print is in their DNA?
 Let's think about this for a bit - The French have the Louvre, the Musee d'orsay, L'orangrie and that's only Paris...
But we have the National, the Royal Acdemy, Tates Britain and Modern, and that's just London.
The French have some of the worlds most famous artists to their flag; Monet, Seurat, Rodin. I know there are countless more, but the British have some heavyweights too; Constable, Turner, Henry Moore...
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Inside the Musee d'Orsay in Paris

Ouside London's Tate Britain

We are right up there with our artistic culture! And have been for centuries!


The Louvre is the most visited museum/art gallery in the world, tipping over 9 million visitors last year. Whereas London's National gallery had nearly 6 million and the Tate modern just under 5 million.
But those numbers don't tell the whole story here. 70% of the Louvre's visitors are foreign visitors. Whereas us Brits make up about half of the visitors to our top galleries.
So actually we're going to galleries more than the French!
Who knew?

So, we're happy to pootle about famous galleries, look at the most famous, beautiful, valuable and important works of art the world has ever known, BUT we can't summon up the courage and the cash to buy original work.

Well worry no more. What if it was easy to have stunning, original, professional art work in your home? What if the process of buying art was a joy not a chore?

Next week I’ll give you my top tips for buying art. ​

"Zeus" in a relaxed lounge setting.