Imagine you see a Jackson Pollock, or perhaps a painting by Mark Rothko.

Why do people buy these paintings? In his latest article ‘The Final Word’, Phillip Hook - author of Breakfast at Sotheby’s: An A-Z of the Art World (Penguin) - puts forward that people do this for a variety of reasons.

It is sexual, one of his interviewees suggests. Another says that it is simply the allure of art; you see a great painting and you’ve got to have it.

But Hook’s article calls these testimonies ‘confusing’. Is it possible to say that art is simply a case of ‘I’ve got to have it’? Do we buy art purely for appreciation or as an investment? The answer is not simple.

Many people are reluctant to part with their valued possessions, whether this is a Rothko or, perhaps, something with emotional value such as a timepiece or a piece of jewelry. The power these items hold over us is not to be underestimated. Sometimes we pay for art because, as Hook writes, it ‘touches’ us.

Hook also writes that some collectors are purists, people who have give no thought to the resale value. Of course, though, they must give some thought to the money, given the costs involved. However, he also mentions collectors whose favourite pieces are locked away in a vault, others who are concerned about authenticity.

Annabel Zarandi, valuations manager at Unbolted, believes it’s not easy to sell on these kinds of items. “The art market is volatile,” she says. “Some people need the money now but are not ready to sell on their items.”

This is where Unbolted can help. With the lowest interest rates around - starting at 1.25% - Unbolted can help you to get money fast without getting rid of those assets of value. Zarandi adds: “It’s essentially a peer-to-peer lending platform and we connect with you as individuals. The same way you have that personal connection with your painting, watch or wine collection, we provide a personal service.”

All you have to do is upload a photo and within less than 3 hours you get a loan offer – and you receive the money in 24 hours.

So, back to the predicament that Hook wrote about: appreciation or investment? With Unbolted, the decision is made easier; you can make an investment with complete knowledge the asset is in good hands.

You can read Philip Hook’s article in ‘The World of Interiors’.