Emma Roberts lecture at the tate 13th October 2009..CONTINUED

The National gallery in London had an extension built in 1987. It was owned by the Sainsbury family, the same family that owns the Sainsbury's supermarkets. The gallery was built in 1824. Many more people wanted to collect art and view it. 19Th century art got much smaller as people's homes got smaller and art became more popular.



Home of Leo and Gertrude Stein 1907.




The patrons were American and not majorly rich. They were patrons, they bought works by artists such as Matisse, Picasso etc. The relationships between artist and patron were important. Some artists did paintings of their patrons such as Picasso's Portrait of Gertrude Stein 1906

From the 20Th century the America's became big lovers of art. Art was bought more so if it was going to be famous in the future. Picasso was aware of who was important to promote his work.

Picasso, 'Ambroise vollard' 1910

Vollard bought work cheaply and sold it at higher prices to rich people. Vollard realised that artists need emotional support and practical support. Artists leaned on dealers and dealers relied on the artists.

Van Gogh 'Pere Tanguy' 1887



Van Gogh never had any money and never sold any of his paintings while he was alive. 'Pere Tanguy' was Van Gogh's friend. He gave Gogh free oils and canvas etc. Tanguy helped the poor. 1957 was a critical year. That year was the year of the collection of William Wineberg. The sale of the art became an event were even the queen and celebrities turned up.....i think it was Sotherby's in London. Sotherby's is an auction house. Black tanoy sales and night sales were introduced. Warhol's work was sold in the 80's and people turned up with blond wigs on to look like Warhol. Art had public appeal. It was the art boom in 1989. This painting sold for 8.1 million in 1985.





Mantegna. 'Adoration of the Magi'

The painting sold for £1460. To understand art is not just a matter of viewing them but actually knowing what the art is about and where and who it has been passed to.

Van Gogh 'Sunflowers' 1889

The painting was bought for 24 million pound by a Japenese buyer. Japanese people bought art at the highest prices. Dr Gachet was bought for 84 million by another Japanese buyer. Sometimes in some galleries the most famous works are forged. Power has moved away from King's and Queens etc to corporations. Are corporations taking over galleries and museums? Some corporations buy artwork never to be seen. Corporations not only buy art that is cutting edge but also boring and bland works of art. Is art only about the money now? Art gives a sense of immortality and aura. Art now is about lifestyle and consumerism.