Inherited art collection valuation and how to sell?

The OH had inherited some art form a relative ( a few oils on board, an acrylic on board .2 watercolours and a few low number prints, possibly a bit more) they are all by recognized though not mainstream artists.

While we can appreciate it it's not really something we are desperate to hang onto (it was inherited by the relative some 8 years ago from a business partner so has no real personal value). It's been left to me to "deal with them" and a quick google show plenty of pitfalls in getting them appraised (value low and get done over etc) and then moreover how to actually sell the buggers once i kow how much or little they are worth? I'm not overly fussed about paying for an appraisal but don't want to pay out 200 notes to be told the collection is worth £195 ><


Any advice or help apreciated ta

Tricky. About 20 years ago my Ma was left a painting. It was a fine line between getting it valued, and being sold short so in th end she paid for a valuation. She was glad she did, as it was identified as a Landseer and sold for a very tidy sum.

Luckily they are all signed and were bought form galleries in London in the early 80's (all bar one piece are from 80-81 the older is a Keith Baynes form 1956) this had "kind of" helped as i can find out oh so vaguely what stuff has sold for (difficult as lots of are sites only list sales prices to subscribers).
Frome the other artists names i can find prices of their other pieces going frma few hundred to over a grand. that is however not a real guide. I've moved o form "are they worth anything" (in the last few swaeth hours searching the web in a hot room >_>. to how do i get them appraised and sold wihtout getting sold short (we've all watched lovejoy!)

you're in London, so i'd suggest contacting Bonhams and finding out when their next specialist 20th century art/design auction is (they have one or two a year). That way most of those who are interested in this sort of thing, and who have the money!, will see your stuff and you've got a good chance of getting the right price, minus a bit of commission of course!.

Auctions can be a double edged sword.

If you are not in a hurry, dealing with one piece at a time can be more rewarding. Gives you the time to research each one and find the specialist who might be interested.

Seeking out collectors of a particular artist is a lot easier thanks to the internet. Most known artists have some sort of collection dedicated to their work, if it is only online or a collection held by a family member.

Christies will give you a rough estimate online though it an take a while. Saves carting the pieces round if they're bulky or parking nearby.

Reputable auction houses will always give you accurate valuations. They don't want to waste your time or theirs.