CONSULTATION Services
Consultation services are performed in the role of a consultant and not an appraiser.
INITIAL CONSULTATION
Not sure if you need an appraiser or consultant? An initial consultation is a good way to determine which services best suit your needs. During the consult, we will inspect your home from attic to basement, remarking on which items are potentially strong interest in the current market. This brief overview is often quite helpful when deciding the next step to take in dealing with your property. Please note that no values are given during an initial consultation.
Collection Advisory
Develop a custom strategy to achieve collection objectives. Whether your passion for collecting derives from enjoyment or investment, we can help you maintain the quality of your acquisitions. We can advise about the acquisition process (private sales and auction purchases) as well as assist with coordinating art transportation (shipping and storage). We tailor our services to the nature and budget of both private and corporate collections.
Research
Learn more about an object or market with an in-depth investigation. Through a combination of scholarship and connoisseurship, we research the various aspects surrounding an object, including the following: provenance (purchase and exhibition history), historical significance, current market trends, artist/maker biographies, literature records, etc. Provenance research is becoming increasingly critical to the legacy of artworks and cultural objects. For high-value artwork, we also provide guidance on how to verify authenticity by contacting the appropriate foundation, estate, or institution.
COLLECTION Management
Create an inventory of your collection with a professional eye. Knowing what you have and being able to refer to a complete listing is an invaluable asset to homeowners and collectors alike. During the inventory process, objects are properly catalogued, digitally photographed, and organized by either location or category. Documentation can be prepared in both electronic and hard-copy formats. After a final inventory is completed, we suggest occasionally requesting an update visit so that your confidential records stay current and that you may continue to track the status of your belongings easily. In addition, a private inventory often translates well into managing future insurance policies and estate probate.
DATABASE creation
A well-managed collection often maintains or increases in value. In the digital age, many clients are choosing to use to organize information about their tangible assets using secure files. These programs, with strong cybersecurity, are often convenient for owners to use. Databases also help facilitate the tracking of property among various locations or exhibition loans. Our detailed inventories can be migrated to the client’s preferred format and updated accordingly. Each record can also include additional documentation such as copies of receipts, conservation notes, past appraisals, and insurance schedules.
Writing & Speaking Engagements
Present an engaging art-related discussion. As an independent scholar of fine and decorative arts, Courtney is passionate about her area of study. She believes in the constant pursuit of learning and sharing one’s knowledge with others. Courtney is available to speak and/or write on a wide variety of topics relating to art history, collecting, and the ins and outs of the appraisal process. Please contact courtney@ahlstromappraisals.com if you are interested in arranging a presentation or writing an article.
what’s it worth?
Not interested in selling but want to know what your items are worth? Then you may need a qualified appraisal report. An appraisal report provides an unbiased opinion of value for a variety of purposes (e.g. estate tax, donation, insurance, cost basis, etc.). In the role of an appraiser, we are not an advocate for any party but rather remain objective throughout the valuation. Visit the Appraisal Services and Appraisal Steps pages to learn more about the appraisal process.
