Who Collects MCM ... Revisited
A couple weeks ago, an interesting conversation took place here on Ars Longa about whether midcentury modern design was going out of vogue. The ensuing discussion brought up the question of who collects midcentury modern and lead me to put together an extremely informal survey for Ars Longa readers about this question. Twenty seven of you have responded so far, and the results are quite interesting. All but three of the respondents were between the ages of 30 and 60, with 8 each in their thirties, forties, and fifties ... and exactly half of you believe the average MCM collector is between the ages of 40 and 49. All but one respondent actively collects MCM objects, with the top 4 reasons for collecting being aesthetics (85.2%), as an investment opportunity (37%), and affordability & nostalgia (both at 33.3%). I think this provides us with a pretty good generalization about MCM collectors, but would like to hear your thoughts? Any further insight on who collects midcentury modern?
- 10.08.09
Scott commented: I agree, Steve. I've been taking advantage of the generally low prices as much as I can, but I know I'm "in MCM" for the aesthetic and not the investment. I'd love to hear what any of the "as an investment" folks have to say about the MCM market and collecting towards potential profit, if they wouldn't mind sharing.
- 10.8.09
- Website
robert devine commented: Hi Scott and Steve, I agree with you both Steve in that MCM has seen values in fast retreat the past couple years questioning the "Investment" aspect of it and Scott in that taking advantage of the relatively cheap prices seems like a good investment opportunity as much as is possible. The big if for me and many of us today is financial/job security and thats a big IF. I personally think we have quite a ways to go before we see the light at the end of the tunnel and for me at least the Investment part of it means channeling more energy/time in finding lesser cost objects My investment goal now is short term if I want to buy I have to sell its that simple and trying to sell higher end objects is getting tuffer and tuffer not to mention the initial outlay of cash of which I have little plus the fact that I would rather gamble on a 20.00 item as opposed to a 200.00 item and believe me everythings a gamble even with the knowledge not that I certainly have any so I try and stick to the sub 50.00 items case in point bought a stark white Rosenthal tri-stick candleholder for 6.00 and a set of Mirro Medallion aluminum ware for 15.00 at Columbus Antique mall flipped them for 30.00 and 45.00 respectively and with that profit purchased a pair of Heisey Zeisel T&C dawn tumblers and that pretty sums up my investment strategy quick and cheap thanks for letting me write a book LOL!! robert
- 10.8.09
Scott commented: Please write books as often as you want, Robert! I enjoy your viewpoint. Something about the "buy small and trade up" technique you employ really appeals to me. At the very heart of it I'm a bottom-feeder, buying from junk sales and thrift shops. The possibility to trade up through a sequence of objects, starting with something small for just a few dollars and working up to something you really want is compelling.
Have you ever read the blog One Red Paperclip? The writer started with a paperclip and traded it for subsequently more and more valuable items until he eventually traded for a house. Incredible!
- 10.9.09
- Website
About the Archives ...
These news archives span back to Ars Longa's inception in August of 2004. Due to this longevity, many of the older posts may feature external links that have gone dead. Over time websites move pages and some even close shop altogether. I apologize for these inconsistencies, but in the interest in maintaining a full archive even entries whose links have expired will remain in place on Ars Longa.
Scott Lindberg
Sllab Modern
scott@sllab.net
Steve B. commented: Nice follow-up. The investment folks surprise me given the collecting climate the past couple years has seen values in fast retreat. Sure, it's a good time to buy but who has money? Keep up the good work.