BUYING

I advise clients looking to acquire works of art across the international art market. I advise on auction purchases and private sales, as part of short-, mid- and long-term collecting strategies, and for a one-off purchase or project or building a collection. I can source works directly from private collections thanks to my extensive network of contacts.

I operate at the highest level of due diligence; for each artwork under consideration, I produce a report examining in detail issues such as provenance, attribution, condition, value and price recommendation, all based on my long experience in the art market. This way, I can ensure that the client makes the most informed decision possible.

My approach is one of transparency: I only represent one party and work on a simple commission structure.

My service includes:

First-hand inspection of the work.

Independent report covering: provenance, due diligence, attribution, condition, market history and price recommendation.

Direct sale negotiations to achieve the most competitive price or formal representation as a client’s buying agent at auction.

Dealing with formalities after the sale and shipping arrangements.

My fee for this service is calculated as a commission of the purchase price.

SELLING

I advise clients on selling art in the international market place, from individual works to entire collections.  I offer independent advice on the best strategy for maximising the value of the artwork, an approach informed by my professional experience in both the auction and dealer world. This takes into consideration various factors: the appropriate avenue (auction house, dealer, or private treaty), sale location and current market conditions. I also oversee the management of the sale from start to finish.

Selling at auction:

My services include the following:

Negotiating the best possible selling terms for consignments to auction on my clients' behalf.

Managing the consignment from the initial appraisal to the eventual sale on the day of the auction.

My fee for this service is a clearly structured descending fee, depending on the sale price.

Selling through a gallery or private treaty:

My service includes the following:

Negotiating the best possible terms of sale for my client and aim for the highest price in the given market situation.

Managing all the necessary formalities and administrative aspects before and after the sale.

My fee for this service is calculated as a commission based on the sale price.

COLLECTION MANAGEMENT

As collections grows it becomes a responsibility to maintain them. While passion is usually the driving force behind acquiring art, it is important to take regular stock of the collection and view it as an asset worth preserving.

I can advise on the practical aspects of maintaining a collection and enhancing its value. This can take many forms: ensuring that the collection is housed in the correct climatic conditions; setting up a database for the artworks; producing a catalogue of the collection; updating research on the contents; arranging museum loans; providing annual valuations for insurance purposes; and analysing the overall direction of the collection (both acquisitions and sales).

I also take a long-term view of a collection and encourage clients to consider the future of the artworks they have acquired. I can advise heirs who may be less familiar with the scope of the collection;  we can organise an appraisal if needed, or, if a sale is not an immediate goal, we can work to ensure that a proper inventory has been created and establish which objects hold significant value.