Incorporating
WHYTOCK & REID est. 1807
39 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5AH 0131 558 1000 email:
Forthcoming Exhibition: Edinburgh Festival Exhibitions 2008
PICTURES AND WORKS OF ART FROM PRIVATE HOUSES
- Entries are invited -
After over three decades of experience in the international auction world,
the last twenty years as a director of Christies, and as a director of
Scottish pictures, I have established my own business as a fine art broker.
My aim is to provide a confidential, discreet and personalised service to
clients, matching buyer with seller and vice versa, at extremely competitive
rates.
Since leaving Christies, many collectors have approached me to undertake both the buying and selling of works privately. The commissions range from Old Masters to Scottish Colourists through eighteenth century portraits, and sporting and Irish painting, as well as other works of art.
While it is a sobering thought that the total spread of charges for most international auction houses of items valued at under £70,000 can be as high as 35%, in certain circumstances sales by auction may be the most appropriate course of action. As an independant broker I will be able to advise on the best method to employ, and which auction rooms to use, as a tight run ship I will guarantee my fees will be no higher than 10%, and in some cases lower.
I can also help with advice on matters connected with the taxation implications of selling works of art.
If you are considering selling, buying or even upgrading your collection of paintings or other fine works of art and would like me to elaborate on the services that I can provide, please do not hesitate to contact me.
On the personal front, of course I shall continue to wear my charity hat by being only too happy to conduct auctions for deserving causes, at no charge.
When I sent my inaugural letter in 2003 (see above) informing you that I was starting my own Fine Art Brokering business, never would I have believed how much, could be achieved. To you all, I am very grateful, because, without your support, none of this would have happened.
It has been a very busy and enjoyable four years, brokering between collector to collector and from vendors to institutions and museums.
Achievements:
In my original letter I stated that I would not charge a fee of more than a 10% plus vat to sellers. Four years later, I stand by this, although some Auction Houses now charge an average spread in excess of 37% plus vat. The only change that has been made, at the lower end, is that if the value of a single picture, work of art, etc, is below £5000, the fee will be 15% plus vat.
Exhibitions each year during the Edinburgh Festival.
In addition.
Alongside the fine art business, there has been a demand for me to broker Fine and Rare Wines. As a result of these approaches, I am now brokering exceptional wines and complete cellars. To assist me with this I have much pleasure in appointing as the company's consultant, Adrian Laird Craig, who is well-known to both the private collector and the wine trade.
I continue to wear my charity hat and am only too delighted to conduct auctions for deserving causes, at no charge.
If I can be of any help please let me know. As always, all communications and transactions are handled in the strictest of confidence, and may I take this opportunity of thanking you once again.
Alexander Meddowes