How Does an Art Appraisal Work: 10 Steps to Prepare for Your Art Appraisal Inspection
A little preparation can make your art appraisal inspection smooth and efficient. Follow these ten steps to ensure everything is ready for a seamless evaluation.
1. Gather Relevant Documentation
Have any provenance records, previous appraisals, sales receipts, or exhibition history on hand. These details help support the valuation process. We also encourage clients to scan and send the documents prior to the inspection.
2. Check the Lighting
Good lighting allows for a more thorough examination. If possible, inspect the area in advance to ensure lighting is adequate for the inspection. Bright, natural light is preferred when possible. For pieces behind glass, please let us know if the lighting can be altered to help minimize the glare when photographing the pieces.
3. Make Artwork Easily Accessible
If the artwork is stored in a closet, stacked against walls, or in hard-to-reach areas, consider bringing it out beforehand. This saves time and ensures nothing is overlooked.
4. Remove Pieces from the Wall (If Possible)
If it's safe to do so, taking pieces down in advance allows for a more efficient inspection of condition, frames, and inscriptions. If a piece is particularly large or fragile, let us know in advance.
5. Secure Fragile or Unstable Items
For delicate works ensure they are placed on a stable surface that will allow for the appraiser to inspect the pieces with minimal handling. Please let us know of any condition issues that may require specialized handling techniques in advance.
6. Let Us Know About Special Parking or Building Access Instructions
If parking is limited or we need to go through security, provide details ahead of time to streamline arrival and setup.
7. Inform Us if a Ladder is Needed
If artworks are displayed in high or difficult-to-reach locations, let us know in advance so we can bring the appropriate equipment.
8. Keep a Running List of Pieces to be Appraised
If you have multiple artworks, a simple inventory list with artist names and descriptions can help speed up the process and be a great way to cross-check that all items are documented.
9. Plan for a Comfortable Workspace
A clean, open area where pieces can be examined is ideal. If the inventory includes silver, or a number of smaller pieces, please let us know in advance so that we can bring a work table with a padded surface for delicate items to facilitate inspection.
10. Pets Are Welcome to Help—Just Give Us a Heads-Up!
Do not worry if your puppy wants to help look for a maker’s mark under the table, or your cat chases our tape measure. We love meeting four-legged friends! If your pet tends to be curious or excitable, just let us know so we can plan accordingly.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure a smooth and efficient appraisal process. If you have any specific concerns or special requests, feel free to reach out ahead of time to info@loappraisals.com.
Art Appraisal or Art Advisory Questions?
Contact me at lindsey@loappraisals.com or (312)783-8749.
