1. How and when did you begin collecting? What was the first photograph you bought?
In 1990 I went to a photography auction viewing at Sotheby’s and fell in love with a piece that made me laugh: Self Portrait with Wife and Models by Helmut Newton. I did not know who Helmut Newton was nor did I know who the characters were in the piece. That was the first photograph I bought.
2. What do you consider your first real success in collecting? Your biggest failure? What is your prize?
My success in collecting was to be lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. I consider my biggest failure to have achieved the ultimate Helmut Newton, Marilyn Monroe ,and Fashion Photography collections in the world and simply having nothing more to collect. My biggest prize in my life are my wife and kids.
3. What is your concentration or theme in collecting now, if any?
I now collect crayon drawings and paintings created by my kids!
4. What is your approach? Do you go on instinct? Do you buy from galleries, dealers, auctions, and/or directly from artists?
My approach was to collect what I liked and from my heart. Yes, I did go on my instinct. I would say I bought 80% from auctions and 20% from dealers and galleries.
5. Is there any other photography collector you especially admire?
I admire all the collectors that have a true love and appreciation for photography and collect with passion; not just to make a quick buck.
6. Is the idea of collecting vintage work important to you?
It is always better to collect vintage work but if the condition and image of a piece is good, I will sacrifice vintage for the image.
7. How important is investment potential versus esthetic pleasure in choosing what to buy?
Buy what you like, if down the road you make money then you have achieved both pleasure and success.
8. If there is one picture you would like to buy but haven’t been able to, what would that be?
When my children grow up, if I still have the energy and means; I would like to repurchase the entire collection I sold, and build a home for them to share with the public. I believe I achieved the best collection of its kind in the world.
Leon Constantiner sold his extraordinary collection at Christie’s in December 2008.
