Jo Bailey welcomed John Brandler from Brandler Galleries back onto Drive for a lively discussion about collecting art, changing technology, and why buying something you genuinely enjoy still matters more than chasing investment trends.
AI and the Value of Handmade Art
John, never short of an opinion, spoke about how artificial intelligence is rapidly changing creative industries, particularly illustration and commercial design work. While he acknowledged the practical benefits of AI, he also argued that it creates a growing interest in original handmade artwork and illustration material that carries a real human history behind it. To demonstrate the point, he brought into the studio an original illustrated page from a 1975 Rupert annual, complete with its hand-painted artwork, original text overlays, and production layers still intact.
He explained how many similar pieces were simply thrown away by publishers once printing had finished, despite being the foundation of books that generations grew up with.
From Classic Illustrations to Contemporary Icons
The conversation moved through everything from Thomas the Tank Engine and Noddy illustrations to Damien Hirst, David Hockney, and Banksy. John described how he now looks for artwork that feels historically important or overlooked rather than simply fashionable.
The Golden Rule of Collecting
He also repeated what he called the 'golden rule' of collecting: buy what you like and enjoy living with it. He recalled buying thousands of early David Hockney prints for pennies in the 1980s after hearing positive reports from Hockney's tutor at the Royal College of Art. For years, he said, nobody wanted them. Today, they are worth considerably more, although John insisted the enjoyment of owning something interesting should always come before speculation.
Upcoming Banksy Exhibition in Colchester
John also revealed plans for a major Banksy exhibition in Colchester later this year, featuring 28 original works alongside large-scale installations. He said the event would also involve local charities and opportunities for businesses to support the exhibition.
As always, the interview can be heard again at phoenixfm.com. The Brentwood Gazette covers areas including but not limited to Billericay, Brentwood, Hutton, Shenfield, and Wickford in Essex.
