‘Art is a fertile tool, particularly at a time of political and economic uncertainty,’ says Nine AM founder Bettina von Hase. ‘It’s a life-affirming passion, which lightens our lives and enriches us.’
Von Hase has just returned from an art fair marathon, a regular assignment where she discovers new works for her clients. She has specialised in European and American modern and contemporary art for three decades.
Before founding her advisory service Nine AM in 1997, von Hase helped launch Tate Modern, when she was working for then chairman Dennis (now Lord) Stevenson. She later acted as art adviser to Selfridge’s and Tod’s, among other high-profile roles.
Nine AM now focuses mostly on private collectors, with whom von Hase maintains relationships which deepen over the years. ‘People have become much more sophisticated,’ she says. ‘Contemporary art now has a commanding presence in the market. Today, everyone who has an interest knows or can name several artists.’
Alongside her advisory work, von Hase, who is German but has lived in the UK since the age of 12, has become a trustee and chair of patrons at the Royal Drawing School. She is also a trustee at The Art Room charity.