We work with our clients on an on-going basis, offering in-depth advice and assistance in buying a particular object or building a collection. This can be for investment purposes or simply furnishing a home with something special. The range of objects that we can advise on is very broad; from garden sculptures to diamond necklaces - we have advised on it all.

In addition to buying, we also advise on selling. This involves careful consideration of the market and the best method of sale, sometimes by private treaty and other times through auction houses – to the best advantage of the client.

We are in a position to supply the knowledge that a non-specialist private client may need to build a collection, or simply furnish a house with attractive and worth-while pictures and furniture. We are also happy to advise about the purchase of individual items, already identified by our clients.

In this regard, we work on a commission basis, linked to the value of the items acquired.

When advising about purchase, we first assess the quality and condition of the work, taking account of whether it has been restored or needs to be restored. We then consider the integrity of the piece, its relevance to other items in the collection (if appropriate) and its investment potential. Finally, we advise how much our client should pay for the work, and, if required, take care of bidding, purchase, handling, restoration and delivery, through our sister business, Mark Medcalf Ltd.

Selling at auction requires detailed knowledge about 'what does best where' at any one time. There is no doubt at all that the strategic placing of items will achieve better prices - and you only have one chance to sell! Our experience of galleries and auction houses, in the U.K. and abroad enables us to advise clients when and where to sell.

We are also often asked to find or manage sales by private treaty, on behalf of both buyers and sellers.


Increasingly, companies and professional firms are realising the desirability, tax effectiveness and investment potential of buying works of art, and even creating collections. However, it is all too easy to end up with an anaemic and ultimately unsatisfactory collection, poorly rated by both staff and clients.

Experience clearly shows that the best corporate collections are not assembled by committee. Nor do committees normally have the time and skill to keep up to date with what is available in the market, whereas a focused specialist does. A leading example of this is the Fleming outstanding collection of Scottish Art.

We are in a position to advise you about what to collect, having carefully assessed your taste and interests, in relation to display space available and budget constraints. We can then go on to purchase on your behalf, to restore (where necessary), advise about hanging, lighting and conservation.

A specialist aspect of this consultancy service is advising architects and interior designers about finding appropriate art, both modern and traditional, for new or refurbished properties.


Damage to antiques or works of art can be caused by a wide range of factors, from direct sunlight to damp, children to insects, over zealous cleaning to neglect. But probably the worst damage that can be done is bad restoration.

Care and restoration must consider a variety of factors – including the place and date of manufacture, the materials, workmanship and decoration. Both physical (the size and weight of the object) and financial considerations must also be taken into account.

We can advise you how to get the most enjoyment from any antiques or artworks you possess, by looking after them properly. This may be as simple as using the right wax or polish, or it may be to do with finding the right restorer. We also often advise about the desirability or otherwise of restoring items prior to selling them.


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