Frequently Asked Questions

Not at all. Many clients start with a space, a budget or a general interest, and we work out the direction together.

No. An introductory call is free and carries no obligation. Fees apply only once you have agreed in writing to a specific piece of work.

An adviser reads it personally and replies, usually to suggest a short call. We will not add you to a mailing list unless you ask us to.

By appointment. We work with clients internationally.

Yes. Research stands on its own and carries no obligation.

Yes. That is exactly what the Pre-Acquisition Review is for, whoever the seller is.

No. We do not forecast prices or give investment advice. We give you a clear account of an artist's market, so that you can make your own decision.

No. Our research is not a formal valuation for insurance, probate or tax, and we do not issue authentication opinions. Where you need either, we will refer you to an accredited valuer or to the relevant artist, gallery or specialist.

No. Our enquiries are made without naming you, and we never share a client's interest with a gallery, a seller or another client.

There is no right answer. Because the costs of buying and selling are significant, short holding periods rarely make sense, and most collectors think in years. We would not suggest buying art with money you may need at short notice.

Both have their place. Prints and editions offer a lower entry point, but their market depends heavily on edition size, signature, condition and publisher. Our research shows how each behaves for a given artist.

Yes. Start with a Pre-Sale Review.

Only where an artist has a traceable sales record, and our research will say plainly how limited the evidence often is.

The law requires art market participants to carry out due diligence on buyers and sellers in qualifying transactions. See Anti-Money Laundering.

No. Artists and galleries never pay to be considered, selected or listed.

Please do. We will screen them against the same criteria as any other artist, and you can commission research if you want the full picture sooner.

Yes. Rental is available to business clients on terms of one, two or three years.

10% of each work's agreed sale price per year, paid quarterly in advance. A work priced at £20,000 costs £2,000 a year, or £500 a quarter plus VAT where applicable.

We do. Every rented work is insured by RSAS for the full term.

Yes. Works can be exchanged by arrangement at any point in the term.

Yes, at any point during the term, and every penny of rental already paid on that work is credited against the price.

Yes. We work alongside architects and designers, to their specification, schedule and preferred presentation format.

No minimum for purchases. Rental scheme minimums on request. Purchases can be as small as a single work.

It depends on the scale and on whether works are commissioned. Indicative timescales are set out on Corporate and Hospitality. Tell us your opening or handover date, and we will plan backwards from it.

Yes. We coordinate selection, framing and installation across multiple sites, with one point of contact and one consistent specification throughout.

Yes. We can build a scheme around regional or local artists, each researched to the same standard as any other artist we propose.