How to find a free valuation of a painting

HopelessCase

We also have some (original) paintings which we would like to get valued and if appropriate to sell them. It is quite a dilemma to know where to take them and not get conned. We are also aware the valuation you are given is not neccessarily the price you will receive for them. It will depend on the market and demand. We believe if you put them into an auction, you can put a reserve price on them, but if the price is not reached and not sold then we presume there will be a handling charge. Any additional advise not already suggested/given on this forum will be appreciated.

paddedjohn

Bung them on ebay and pull them with 5 minutes to go.

keyser666

For a fiver

http://www.valuemystuff.com/what-we-value/ceramics-porcelain

There are a few more sites out there, one was featured on dragons den a couple of years back

hollydays

HopelessCase wrote: »

We also have some (original) paintings which we would like to get valued and if appropriate to sell them. It is quite a dilemma to know where to take them and not get conned. We are also aware the valuation you are given is not neccessarily the price you will receive for them. It will depend on the market and demand. We believe if you put them into an auction, you can put a reserve price on them, but if the price is not reached and not sold then we presume there will be a handling charge. Any additional advise not already suggested/given on this forum will be appreciated.

Take the to the auction, get them valued. Only then can you decide what to do with them.I'd suggest you don't put them into the auction but go away and think about it. The valuation is free. If they tell you it might only fetch £10-£30 it's probably not worth putting it in.There are lots off original paintings that are worthless.

DavePollard

Are there any Auction Houses that specialise in Art/Paintings or have someone within the organisation that deal with this specific subject. I presume you have to make an appointment and take them to the auction house, which may be difficult if say in Central London etc when there are several paintings which might be somewhat bulky.

zax47

If you are anywhere near a branch of Bonhams auction house then they do free valuation days quite frequently. You have to book an appointment but they have painting specialists in most of their regional offices;

http://www.bonhams.com/locations/region/UNITED_KINGDOM/

http://www.bonhams.com/valuation_events/

hollydays

DavePollard wrote: »

Are there any Auction Houses that specialise in Art/Paintings or have someone within the organisation that deal with this specific subject. I presume you have to make an appointment and take them to the auction house, which may be difficult if say in Central London etc when there are several paintings which might be somewhat bulky.

Look at their websites, many have valuers who have degrees in fine arts etc",or send photos.

BillLucas

The problem with an auction house is the commission they charge to sell. yes get a free valuation so you know approximately how much to expect and them perhaps find somewhere else to sell. It may depend on whether you want to gamble on the auction price or know excactly how much you will receive. However I cannot make any sensible alternative suggestions but hopefully somebody else will offer some advice on an another opotion for you to consider.

Magic_Moments

I would use an Auction house to obtain a free valuation. Also ask them for all their charges and commission.Often the cost of selling through an auction houses taking everything into consideration can easily be 25% of the sale price. Therefore initially I would then try and sell to an art dealer or somewhere else, armed with the valuation. You would then know how much you would receive. If that is not successful compare Auction houses commision rates bearing in mind The lowest rate is not necessarily the best the option as if it is a small auction house it may only reach a very local market. If you chose a larger auction house it might reach more of the UK. If the item is only worth say £100 it might not be worth all the trouble. However if it is worth say £500 then a bit of effort might well be worthwhile excercise.

Valli

keep an eye on the BBC website - in particular the valuation days for Antiques Roadshow and Flog It.