We advise and act for sellers of important works of art.
A work of art is a unique object, and this is as true when it comes to selling it as in any other way. Every picture demands its own approach, which may depend on any number of circumstances. It is our job to advise frankly and impartially on the best method of sale, and to act for our client in whatever way may be necessary.
There are three principal ways of realising the value of a work of art:
Private Sale
We specialise in conducting private sales on behalf of our clients, and will guarantee to achieve the best possible price. We offer absolute confidentiality and the ability to control the process of sale at every point.
Gerard Dillon (1916-1974)
Nano's Dream Castle, circa 1950
In contrast to auction, in which the result of the sale becomes a matter of chance after a certain point, private sale allows the seller to consider and negotiate offers at leisure, and to come to a reasoned, calm decision.
In 2002, while a director of the London dealers Agnew's, Mark Adams conducted the sale of Louis le Brocquy's 1951 painting, A Family, on behalf of an Italian client. After negotiation with the Irish tax authorities, we concluded a private sale to a Dublin collector, who planned to donate the picture in lieu of tax to the National Gallery of Ireland. The purchase price of £1,750,000 (2,770,000 euro or $2,550,000) is the second highest ever achieved for an Irish painting and the highest price for a work by any living Irish artist.
Auction
Sean Scully (born 1945)
Passenger Red Blue, 1997
In some cases auction is the best option for sale, and we can advise our clients how to achieve the best possible result. We guide our clients through the sale-process, negotiating with the auction-rooms to achieve the best possible commitments in terms of sale-estimates, marketing and promotion. We obtain reduced commission-rates from the major auction-rooms on behalf of our clients.
Settlement in lieu of tax
Works of exceptional merit may well be eligible for donation in lieu of tax, and in certain circumstances this may offer enormous benefits to an owner. We have experience in negotiating with the tax and heritage authorities of Ireland, the UK and the United States. We will advise our clients when the potential for donation in lieu of tax exists, and can steer through the (often fairly considerable) complexities of the process.
We will always give our clients frank, impartial advice on the best means of sale, and will work without compromise to achieve the best possible price for their painting.
