Condition and provenance
Include any available provenance, purchase records or previous valuations. Describe repairs or damage openly. If the artist, maker or date is uncertain, say so.
We assess enquiries before discussing a purchase. Submitting an item does not provide an authentication or formal valuation.
Photographs and details
- An overall photograph and close-ups of important marks or damage.
- Front and back views of framed works where practical.
- Dimensions, materials and condition.
- Available provenance or purchase records, without unrelated personal information.
- Whether the items form one lot and any collection restrictions.
Keep descriptions factual
Use the information you can support. If an attribution or date comes from an earlier valuation rather than a confirmed record, make that clear.
For a group of objects, distinguish individual pieces in the photographs and list. Do not clean, repair or dismantle items simply to prepare an enquiry.
Useful questions
Can I enquire without a valuation?
Yes. Send photographs, dimensions and the information you have. Explain where any identification or provenance is uncertain.
Does submitting an item provide an authentication?
No. An enquiry allows us to assess a possible purchase. It is not a formal valuation or authentication service.
Can a collection be assessed as one lot?
Tell us if the items must be sold together, and provide an item list or clearly grouped photographs for assessment.