What should collectors consider when they lend to third parties? Here’s an expert view from Zilkens Fine Art Insurance Broker When a collector is approached by public institutions, such as a museum, to lend a piece of art for an exhibition, he knows that he has gone a step further in the collector’s world. Depending on the institution, the collector receives a loan contract of one to ten pages. Some are very detailed. Others very...
The former home of composer Benjamin Britten and tenor Peter Pears thrills with an eclectic collection of contemporary art By Aston Lark Private Clients director Julie Webb There’s an immediate sense of fun when visitors arrive at The Red House, in Suffolk, with a ‘Beware of the dog’ sign on the gate – written in Greek. The former owners, composer Benjamin Britten and tenor Peter Pears, owned a dachshund, so there’s a hint both of...
In this article, Bonhams’ vintage poster expert Richard Barclay explains the value behind ‘once here today, gone tomorrow’ travel posters.Richard Barclay is just about to travel from his home in Brittany to London on Eurostar to set up the latest Bonhams’ vintage posters auction. He is understanding, but frustrated, over recent travel restrictions and has witnessed lockdowns creating ‘a renewed nostalgia’ for holidays and travel – and, in turn, many more people are looking for...
Insurance/Protection policies are often seen as a way of providing peace of mind for policyholders in uncertain times; nothing is more uncertain than the current COVID-19 pandemic changing the world around us in ways we could never have expected. It is in these unprecedented times that the spotlight is heavily cast not only on how we effectively manage our assets, but more importantly how we protect them. While some people may have insurance policies in...
Collecting fine art can be a life-long pursuit of happiness. Owning rare and unique items comes with its own risks, however, as a standard household policy usually does not cover these prized possessions. We caught up with Suzi Rackley of Aston Lark to discuss fine art insurance and how to navigate the market. Arts & Collections: Why do I need art insurance? Suzi Rackley: Art is often a prized possession or carries great sentimental value,...
Fine art fakes have cost buyers millions for centuries; following recent allegations of forgery in the art world, protecting art investments has never been so important. Before the stunning Leonardo da Vinci painting Salvator Mundi (c.1490) obliterated auction sale records in 2017 (with a staggering $450 million, for those that don’t already know), much controversy had erupted among experts and the media surrounding its authenticity. Critics asserted that the pose of the painting’s subject, Christ,...
If you had a Degas valued at nearly £5 million in your safe, it would be reasonable to expect that it’s insured, but very recent reports of a theft in Cyprus from a private collection show that this is sadly not always the case. None of us really envisage the trauma of losing treasured possessions, not to mention having to deal with all the pitfalls of making an insurance claim—but this is what sets High...
