Judgment without divided loyalties.
Independence is fundamental to the advisory relationship. I am compensated by my clients and do not accept commissions, referral fees, rebates, or other transaction-related compensation or benefits from sellers or other counterparties in connection with client engagements.
Advice is guided by the client’s objectives and informed by research, appropriate due diligence, and independent professional judgment. Material financial interests, relevant professional relationships, and potential conflicts are disclosed in a timely manner. Where external specialists or service providers are proposed, their roles, fees, and relevant relationships are communicated in advance.
This approach is intended to provide a clear basis for decision-making: advice that can be assessed on its merits, with responsibilities and commercial arrangements understood from the outset.
Scope, responsibility, and due diligence.
Every engagement is governed by a written agreement defining the scope of services, deliverables, compensation, responsibilities, and approval requirements for additional work and expenses.
My role is to provide independent advice and, where expressly agreed, coordinate approved activities with relevant counterparties and professional specialists. The client retains authority over material collecting decisions, transactions, appointments, and expenditures unless specific authority is granted in writing.
Research and due diligence are undertaken within the agreed scope and on the basis of information reasonably available. They do not, in themselves, guarantee authenticity, title, provenance, condition, value, or future market performance. Where specialist assessment, formal certification, or regulated professional advice is required, appropriately qualified professionals are engaged as agreed with the client. Those professionals remain responsible for their own advice and deliverables
Fees and engagement terms.
Fees are established according to the nature, complexity, duration, and agreed scope of each engagement. The applicable fee structure, payment schedule, included services, exclusions, and treatment of additional expenses are agreed in writing before work begins.
External appointments and material expenditures are subject to the approval arrangements set out in the engagement agreement. Any additional services are separately scoped and approved before they are undertaken.
A Considered Beginning.
Every collection has its own character, context, and ambitions. The starting point may be a specific acquisition, a question of artistic or market significance, the development of a collecting vision, or the long-term stewardship of an established collection.
An initial conversation provides an opportunity to understand the objectives, consider the nature of the advice required, and determine an appropriate engagement structure.
For inquiries regarding a collection, a specific opportunity, or a potential advisory mandate, please get in touch.
Engagement terms are agreed in writing before work begins.