Art Consulting Services
Cataloguing of existing art collection
Cataloguing an existing art collection is essential for managing, preserving, and understanding the value of the collection. Here’s what it typically includes:
Detailed Descriptions
This includes the artist’s name, title of the piece, medium, dimensions, date of creation, and any relevant historical context, which helps create a clear and thorough record of each item.
Provenance Records
The history of ownership of each artwork provides insights into its origins and any significant previous owners, which helps verify authenticity and increase the piece’s historical value.
Condition Reports
Assessing and recording the condition of each artwork helps in monitoring its state over time. This includes noting any damages, repairs, or conservation needs, which is crucial for preservation and future care.
Photography
Images of each piece are taken from various angles in order to provide a visual record to assist in identification, appraisal, and documentation of the collection.
Valuation Information (optional)
Appraisal values or estimates help in understanding the financial worth of the collection, which is important for insurance, sales, or estate planning.
Storage and Location Details
Documenting where each piece is stored or displayed ensures easy access.
Documentation of Exhibition History
Records of any exhibitions or loans of the artwork are kept, including dates and locations, to track the history of each piece’s public display and movement.
Coordination and selection of custom framing
Custom framing not only enhances an artwork’s aesthetic appeal, but also ensures its long-term protection. This process entails:
Understanding the Artwork
The first step involves assessing the artwork’s size, medium, and style to determine the most suitable framing options. Factors like the artwork’s color palette, texture, and any special requirements it may have are all taken into consideration.
Frame selection
Selecting a frame that complements both the artwork and the space where it will be displayed is key. Choose from various styles such as contemporary, traditional, ornate, or minimalistic. The goal is to enhance the artwork’s visual impact while ensuring that the frame harmonizes with its surroundings.
Matting and Glass Options
Matting provides a visual buffer between the artwork and the frame and helps protect it from direct contact with the glass. Choosing the right mat colour and texture can greatly enhance the artwork. Additionally, selecting the appropriate type of glass (clear, non-reflective, UV-protective, museum glass) helps protect the artwork from damage due to light, dust, or environmental factors.
Preservation and Protection
Ensuring that the framing materials are acid-free and of archival quality is crucial in preventing deterioration and damage over time.
Coordination with Clients
Communicating with clients to understand their preferences, budget, and any specific requirements is essential. We will discuss options, present samples or mock-ups, and provide expert advice to ensure the final framing choice aligns with a client’s vision and needs.
Art Restoration and Conservation
Preserving and maintaining the integrity of artworks for future generations is essential. Art restoration + Conservation practices involve addressing damage, deterioration, and aging effects to ensure that artworks continue to be appreciated and studied in their best possible condition. Here’s an overview of these processes and how we work with professional conservators to achieve optimal results:
Art Restoration
This involves the careful repair and rejuvenation of damaged or deteriorated artworks. Restoration may include fixing tears, removing surface dirt or stains, and addressing issues such as fading or discoloration. The goal is to restore the artwork to its original appearance while maintaining its historical authenticity.
Art Conservation
Conservation focuses on the preventive care of artworks to slow down or halt deterioration. This includes implementing measures to protect artworks from environmental factors like light, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. Conservation also involves routine maintenance and monitoring to ensure the long-term preservation of the artwork.
Collaboration with Professional Conservators
To ensure the highest standards of care, we work closely with experienced professional conservators. These specialists are trained in advanced techniques and possess in-depth knowledge of materials and methods. Their expertise is crucial in handling complex restoration and conservation tasks, including:
Assessing Condition
Thorough examinations to identify and assess the extent of damage or deterioration. Specialized tools and techniques are used to understand the artwork’s condition and determine the best course of action.
Employing Expertise
Knowledge of art materials and techniques are applied to carefully address issues. They use compatible and reversible methods to ensure that any interventions do not compromise the artwork’s integrity or future conservation efforts.
Custom Gifts for Corporate Clients
Providing custom gifts for corporate clients involves creating bespoke art solutions that offer unique and meaningful gifts for recipients that are reflective of your brand. Whether you need a single unique artwork or multiple pieces for various recipients, here’s how we approach the process:
Understanding Corporate Objectives
We begin by consulting with corporate clients to understand their goals and the purpose behind the custom gifts. This includes aligning with brand values, corporate culture, and the specific occasion—whether it’s for client appreciation, employee recognition, or a corporate event.
Custom Art Solutions
Based on the corporate objectives, we source existing artwork or work with artists to commission unique artwork that perfectly suits the occasion.
Art Rentals for Special Events
We provide curated art options for short term rentals, whether you’re staging a home, a corporate function or for the film industry. We will deliver and install the artworks and remove them at the end of the rental period.
Sourcing, selection and acquisition of art
We are a client-driven art consulting practice that understands the needs and interests of our collectors. Whether you’re an experienced art collector or new to the world of art, our role is to understand our clients’ needs and source artwork that fits their taste, interest, budget and collection goals.
What sets us apart from a gallery is that we are not tied to any specific artist, genre or style. We source the best art for the project and are the client’s advocate.
With expertise in the contemporary and historical Canadian art markets, we source works from both emerging and established artists, from contemporary and historical art galleries and auction houses locally, nationally and internationally. If the perfect piece of art does not yet exist, we will find the right artist and have custom, commissioned artwork created to the specifications required.
Our process begins by meeting with the client to understand their needs. We then put together a proposal that meets the aesthetic and budgetary requirements. Once the client decides what artwork(s) to acquire, we broker the acquisition, facilitate shipping, framing and installation.
When buying from auctions, we provide relevant market data on comparable sales to ensure that the client is making informed decisions about the investment. We also bid on our clients’ behalf and take care of all of the coordination after a successful bid at auction.
Commissioning Custom Artworks
We work directly with artists to create unique pieces tailored to your specific needs.
Understanding Client Vision
The process begins with in-depth consultations to understand the client’s vision, including their aesthetic preferences, intended use of the artwork, and any specific themes or concepts they wish to explore. We discuss details such as the artwork’s size, medium, color scheme, and style, ensuring that the final piece aligns perfectly with the client’s expectations.
Artist Selection and Process
Based on the client’s requirements, we identify and recommend artists whose style and expertise align with the project. Once an artist is selected, we facilitate the development of the artwork’s concept. This typically involves collaborative discussions between the client and the artist, where ideas are refined, and preliminary sketches or proposals are created. This stage ensures that both parties are aligned on the final design and scope of the project. During the creation process, we check in regularly with the artist to ensure that the project is on track. Once the artwork is complete, we facilitate framing and installation.
Delivery and Installation of New and Existing Art
The delivery and installation of both new and existing art are crucial aspects of ensuring that artworks are presented effectively and maintained in optimal condition. Here’s how we handle these processes to provide a seamless experience for our clients:
Delivery of Art
Logistics Coordination
We manage the logistics of transporting artworks from their current location to the client’s site, whether that’s across the city or across the country. This includes arranging for appropriate packaging, handling, and transportation to ensure that artworks arrive safely and without damage. We use specialized carriers and materials to protect artworks during transit.
Installation of Art
Curatorial services
Before installation, we assess the space to determine the best locations for the artworks to enhance the artwork’s impact and ensure it complements the environment.
Professional Installation
We handle the installation of both new and existing artworks with precision. This includes securing artworks properly and using appropriate hardware and techniques to ensure stability and alignment.
Custom Solutions
For artworks that require special considerations, such as sculptures, large installations, or pieces needing specific lighting, we provide tailored installation solutions to meet these needs. This may involve custom mounting, lighting adjustments, or site-specific arrangements.
Art Appraisal
Secter Art Consulting offers independent, full-service art appraisals. We come to your location to view the artwork, understand your objectives and collect the information required to complete your appraisal.
Our appraisals are compliant with the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) standards and with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
Why use Secter Art Consulting?
We are not an auction house or an art gallery, seeking to buy or sell your artwork or profit from it. Because we work independently, we are able to recommend courses of action that will maximize the value of your assets. If you are interested in selling your asset, we can discuss the best options and direct you to those who can be of assistance.
Other Services
We also offer curatorial services and project management services.