We provide tailored appraisal and valuation services to private collectors, family offices, lawyers, and institutions. Whether valuing a single artwork or managing comprehensive collections, we offer a strategic, detail-oriented approach rooted in deep industry knowledge and professional integrity. Leveraging extensive expertise in art research, curatorial practice, and collection management, our appraisals include critical elements such as provenance, condition, market trends, and current location, ensuring accurate and transparent appraisals. Each report is meticulously prepared and rigorously maintained, providing invaluable resources for clients while safeguarding utmost confidentiality.

This structured appraisal process ensures reliable and professional valuation services tailored to the specific needs of clients while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and integrity.

1. Initial Consultation

Objective Identification: Determine the purpose of the appraisal (valuation for insurance, legal dispute, sale, investment purposes or other).

Scope Definition: Discuss the scope of the appraisal, including the number of works, their locations, and specific requirements.

Agreement and Documentation: Formalise the engagement through an agreement outlining services, fees, timeline and confidentiality.

2. Artwork Review and Documentation

Physical Examination: Assess the artwork’s medium, size, condition, signature/s and markings front and verso. Identify the artist, date of creation, and provenance.

Photographic Records: Capture high-resolution images for documentation and further research.

Condition Report: Document any damages, restorations, or alterations.

3. Research and Market Analysis

Provenance Verification: Trace the ownership history to confirm authenticity and establish value.

Comparative Market Analysis: Review recent sales of similar works by the artist in auctions, galleries, and private sales. Analyse market trends and demand for the artist and style.

Catalog Raisonné: Cross-reference the work with authoritative listings or databases for authenticity confirmation.

4. Appraisal Valuation

Fair Market Value: Determine the likely price of the artwork in an open market.

Insurance Replacement Value: Assess the cost of replacing the artwork with a comparable work from a similar time and period.

Liquidation Value: Evaluate the artwork’s value in a rapid sale scenario.

Investment Potential: Provide insights on the artwork’s potential for appreciation and market relevance.

5. Appraisal Report Preparation

Detailed Documentation: Include descriptions, high-quality images, provenance notes, and condition reports.

Valuation Insights: Provide clear valuation figures for each artwork based on the appraisal’s purpose.

6. Delivery and Explanation

Client Presentation: Deliver the final report in a professional format (PDF or hard copy).

Discussion and Clarification: Explain the findings and address any client questions regarding the appraisal.   

7. Use of Appraisal for Specific Purposes

Insurance Claims: Provide valuations with detailed condition reports to support claims for loss or damage.

Matrimonial Disputes: Offer impartial valuations to assist in equitable asset division.

Superannuation Funds: Provide appraisals to confirm compliance with fund rules and assess investment potential.

Pre-Auction Advice: Recommend reserve prices and strategies for maximising returns in auction sales.

8. Ongoing Services

Market Updates:Offer periodic reviews to ensure valuations remain current with market fluctuations.

Advisory Support: Provide guidance on potential sales, acquisitions, or collection management.

Steven Alderton Art Advisory valuation services are crucial for a range of purposes, including tax and estate planning, ensuring compliance with relevant legal standards where applicable. We assist executors and families in determining inheritance and gift tax values, offering unbiased assessments that simplify estate planning and the equitable division of assets. For collectors requiring insurance valuations, we prepare comprehensive catalogues of artworks to protect against loss or damage. These valuations include retail replacement values and keep valuations in line with market fluctuations.

In addition to tax and insurance purposes, we provide appraisals for family division and matrimonial disputes, delivering fair market valuations for the equitable division of assets and expert witness testimony as required. Our expertise also extends to damage and post-loss assessments, helping clients navigate claims related to theft, damage, or restoration issues. For collectors considering an art loan to an institution or potential sale, we offer market and fair market valuations to ensure works are appropriately priced as collateral, or prepared for auction or private sale. Each appraisal is supported by robust market research and evidence of comparable sales, ensuring precision and transparency.

Our services are essential for collectors seeking to protect, manage, or monetise their collections with professionalism and efficiency. From cataloguing collections for superannuation funds to advising on acquisitions or divestments, Steven provides a seamless experience for every client. Our appraisals align with the needs of each client while reflecting the dynamic realities of the art market. Our ability to combine strategic insight with extensive due diligence makes our Advisory an invaluable partner for art collectors at every stage of their collecting journey.

Please contact us if you would like to discuss any aspect of your artwork appraisals or valuations. We would be pleased to provide an accurate and confidential service, and will get back to you within 24 hours.

Steven Alderton Art Advisory

office@stevenalderton.com

+61 467 717 760