Acquisitions
Our knowledge of the Fine Art Industry is unrivalled and our impressive network of contacts enables us to locate paintings of the finest quality and to secure the best possible terms for our clients. Sutcliffe Galleries act solely in the best interests of the buyer, providing a discreet and confidential service and the provision of independent advice.
Gary Sutcliffe has over 40 years personal experience in sourcing paintings and his knowledge of the Art Market, has been sought by individuals and institutions on many occasions during this time. Whether sourcing one specific painting or forming an entire collection, his expertise and knowledge is available. He will personally view the paintings both at home or abroad, and clients who enjoy the experience are welcome to accompany him, as he guides them through the buying process, helping them to avoid the common pitfalls and ensuring that their experience is both pleasurable and profitable.
Sutcliffe Galleries provide a comprehensive service, from sourcing the paintings, personally viewing them, vetting for authenticity and quality and providing concrete and realistic market values.
Our service also includes the arrangement of packing, shipping, delivery and eventual hanging and lighting in the clients’ premises. We will also arrange and personally oversee the conservation, restoration, and framing of the painting. All acquisitions will be accompanied with carefully researched documentation, Certificate of Authenticity, insurance replacement valuation and illustrated biography of the artists.
Valuations
Sutcliffe Galleries’ knowledge of the Fine Art Market and our extensive library of rare art books and past auction catalogues dating back to the sixties, enables us to undertake valuations of single paintings or entire collections for a number of purposes in insurance, probate, tax planning, family division and marketing.
Insurance Valuations
The majority of insurance companies now insist on detailed written insurance valuations, Sutcliffe Galleries will create a digital photographic record of your paintings along side detailed written description and valuation. Illustrated inventories of collections will be compiled and advice given on security and security marking, which will assist with identification in the unfortunate event of a burglary or repair after damage and with any subsequent insurance claim. Details of stolen paintings can be lodged with international databases, such as the Art Loss Register or Invaluable.
Probate Valuations
Sutcliffe Galleries will provide a swift and discreet written valuation within 7 days of inspection of the paintings. Subsequently, if the paintings are to be sold, we can provide independent marketing advice through our knowledge and network of contacts and advise on the best avenue to maximise potential to the benefit of the client, keeping executors fully informed of the progress of the estate through sale.
Family Division & Tax Planning
Accurate and fair valuations for both family and matrimonial division are an important requirement and we will provide an independent written valuation to all parties. This valuation is assessed at the current market value, and advice can be given on marketing, should it be necessary to sell items or the entire estate. In addition we can provide written valuations for clients tax specialists’ for the purposes of inheritance tax and capital gains.
Sutcliffe Galleries regret that we are unable to provide online valuations.
Edward John Poynter RA
Marketing
Our expertise and network of contacts, both at home and abroad also enables us to be able to provide independent marketing advice, whether on individual paintings or entire collections. This advice extends to the entire network of the marketplace – from domestic and international auction houses to London and provincial dealers and private collectors.
Gary Sutcliffe has personally supervised the successful disposal of major corporate collections, as well as individual paintings from modest estates. Should a client’s requirements be considered outside the special focus of Sutcliffe Galleries, the proprietors will redirect such clients to those alternative sources of advice as would be most in keeping with their needs.
Atkinson Grimshaw